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A thrilling, unpredictable drama that recalls the gangster pictures of Scorsese. With a fine script and excellent acting, this comes in way above the norm, says Mike McCahill.

Extraordinary to think a film released in 2011 could generate favourable comparisons to The Godfather, but then David Michôd’s tough and unpredictable Australian crime movie comes in some considerable way above the norm. Again, it’s a family affair: after his mother overdoses, dopey teen Josh (James Frecheville) is taken in by his aunt (Jacki Weaver) and her three career-criminal sons. These latter eye him as another footsoldier in their war against local law enforcement, but Josh is just smart enough to spot the way out a new girlfriend might provide.

Every scene deposits these characters at a crossroads, and then worries which direction they’re going to go off in. Michôd is particularly alert to minor players, and the options they might offer Josh: Guy Pearce is brisk and grounded as the detective on the clan’s case, while Ben Mendelsohn unnerves as family sociopath Andrew. Best of all is Weaver, leonine, untouchable, and wholly deserving of her Best Supporting Actress nomination – yet she’s merely the most prominent of Animal Kingdom’s myriad surprises.

 

Mike McCahill on 21st June 2011
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