Dangerous Animals review — watch out! It's the arthouse answer to Jaws
This grisly horror b-movie premiered at last month's Cannes Film Festival and you can see why. On the surface, and with heavy nods to Wolf Creek, it is about an obnoxious Aussie psychopath and serial murderer called Bruce, played with unhinged intensity by Jai Courtney. Bruce lives on Australia's heavenly Gold Coast and hires out his decrepit trawler to clueless tourists desperate for a memorable cage-diving experience with the area's fearsome tiger, bull and great white sharks.
Once at sea, however (not a spoiler — it's in the trailer and the first five minutes of the movie), Bruce kills the men, kidnaps the women and orchestrates an elaborate torture scenario involving an onboard crane, a dunking chair and bloody, chum-filled waters bristling with hungry man-eaters.
• Read more film reviews, guides about what to watch and interviews
Jai Courtney as the killer Bruce
And the Cannes interest? In the film, the third from the director Sean Byrne, Bruce captures the shark torture on his ancient camcorder and the first killing features a dismembered leg falling to the seabed in a shot that is clearly 'in conversation' with the same imagery from Steven Spielberg's Jaws.
And so, suddenly, this horror film is really about filming horror and the people, mostly men, who do it. There are echoes too of Michael Powell's Peeping Tom in the psychology of Bruce who, it transpires, is reliving his own childhood trauma in his strangely sensual cinematic consumption of every murder. The Cannes faithful love all that stuff.
• Steven Spielberg: how Jaws almost sank my career
Elsewhere the action is sharply directed by Byrne. There is no structural flab and he has created a gutsy, cheer-worthy protagonist in the surfer turned table-turning 'victim' Zephyr (Hassie Harrison from Yellowstone). In the end I wished the movie had had more money behind it, for it throws everything at a climactic 'shark reveal' shot that is abysmally ineffective and a deflating no-budget conclusion to a prestige nightmare. The Cannes crew, by the way, will say that Spielberg's shark looked rubbish too. And this is a point. ★★★☆☆
15, 98min
In cinemas from Jun 6
Make Wednesday your go-to cinema day. Each month Times+ members can bring a friend for free at Everyman on a Wednesday. The perfect cinema experience with plush sofas, a full bar and great food. Visit mytimesplus.co.uk to find out more.
Which films have you enjoyed at the cinema recently? Let us know in the comments and follow @timesculture to read the latest reviews
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE The truth behind David Attenborough's new ocean documentary - including how involved he REALLY is and the underwater shots that look 'too good to be true'
From the technology behind the stunning underwater shots to how the renowned environmental advocate shaped the new documentary, director Keith Scholey has revealed everything about Ocean With David Attenborough. Produced by Silverback Films and Open Planet Studio, the National Geographic film premieres tomorrow (June 8) and dives, quite literally, into the underwater world. Ocean is narrated by the celebrated broadcaster and filmmaker as he reflects on how exploration under the sea has developed over his lifetime. From fish trawling to marine reserves the documentary, which was directed by Toby Nowlan, Keith Scholey and Colin Butfield, explores why a healthy ocean is so important for the planet. The film features amazing clips of sea life that almost look too good to be true, including the largest school of yellowfin tuna ever caught on camera. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Award-winning producer Scholey told MailOnline how every single piece of footage is real, despite how incredible it looks, and new technology was used to capture it. 'It is all, all real,' Scholey insisted. There's one specific, crystal-clear shot that shows dolphins swimming effortlessly, which the director explained 'is captured by a new technique'. 'Basically, we invented what we call a tow cam, and it's like a torpedo device that you drop out the back of your boat, and it's got a camera in the back and cameras in the side,' he said. 'And then we attach all sorts of things that dolphins will find interesting around the end of the tow cam. 'They see this thing behind, dragging behind a boat, and they think, wow, let's go and have a look at it. And you get these amazing shots.' Scholey revealed what would go on with sea life around the camera and explained that other creatures, including tuna and false killer whales would be attracted to it from behind. However, it isn't easy technology to use and Scholey admitted: 'We had used crude versions of it, but this is the first one where we got it right.' He added: 'It's quite difficult to to get the thing to sit stably in the water far enough behind the boat, so that it doesn't get in the wake of the boat and everything there's all. 'There was all sorts of complications. But it was wonderful because he because you don't see what you're getting. You know, you see the dolphins. You think, oh, they're looking at it. 'But you it's only until you pull the thing aboard and you look at what's captured on the camera.' The producer has worked with David Attenborough since 1981 and says he is always 'very hands on'. He revealed: 'The sort of technique has always been the same. I think that David usually sort of works out the the overall kind of structure of what we do, we then go away and we research and research and research, we find all the best stories and what have you and we come back to him.' The renowned environmental advocate was involved the the 'very collaborative process' of creating the documentary. 'He's always very, very hands on about the final words, narration,' Scholey added. 'Obviously he's saying them. All the responsibility hangs on the great man, he's very important.' During Ocean, Attenborough himself is filmed but also provides a constant voice over, describing the scenes and providing information to the viewer. Scholey branded Attenborough as 'one of the best narration commentary writers ever' and gushed how he is 'very skilled at it' Scholey branded Attenborough as 'one of the best narration commentary writers ever' and gushed how he is 'very skilled at it'. 'He's very, very skilled at writing for his own delivery, obviously the two things go hand in hand, how he writes and how he delivers,' he added. 'And that's why you get this amazing performance.'
Daily Mail
3 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Hugh Jackman gives small Melbourne theatre huge celebrity endorsement
Hugh Jackman has given a huge shout out to a little local theatre in regional Victoria. The Aussie A-lister, 56, took to his Instagram Stories on Saturday to drum up support for his old drama school mate, Mark Constable, who is putting on an Australian comedy in Macdeon. 'I recommend you go and check out this gem of a play. It's an Aussie play. 'For people who are in Australia, or wherever you are in the world, if you want to go down to Mount Macedon just outside Melbourne - there is an incredible little theatre called the Mountview theatre,' Hugh said. 'And they are doing a production of the Appleton Ladies Potato Race. It's a gem of a play. It will move you. It will make you laugh. You will laugh your heads off. 'It's directed by a great mate of mine that I went to drama school with, Mark Constable, who is awesome. He told me to say he's a genius. He's great.' The Aussie A-lister, 56, took to his Instagram Stories on Saturday to drum up support for his old drama school mate, Mark Constable, who is putting on an Australian comedy 'The Appleton Ladies Potato Race' at the Mountview Theatre in Macedon from June 13 'It's at a regional theatre and it's going to be phenomenal,' the Wolverine star continued in his glowing endorsement. The Mountview theatre has a capacity of 100 and the play will run for three weekends from June 13 to June 29. 'Although I have a funny feeling it may get extended,' Hugh said. 'When Penny Anderson, the town's new GP, returns to her childhood home of Appleton, she's shocked to find the local potato race prize still sits at $1000 for men and just $200 for women,' a synopsis for the play reads. 'Determined to change this outdated tradition, she sets out on a mission to even the playing field. But not everyone is on board, especially the no-nonsense Bev, who sees Penny as another city slicker disrupting country ways.' Margot Knight, Shayne Francis, Sharnie Page, Sophie Cleary and Sheila Kumar star in the 'big-hearted Australian comedy.' Hugh, who is currently starring in his one-man live show at Radio City and his new off-Broadway play 'Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes', recently appeared on Good Morning America to talk about why he returned to the stage. 'I felt I wasn't doing the thing I loved to do enough,' he revealed. 'I wasn't acting enough. I love the theatre. I think it should be available for everyone.' 'Sometimes I feel more relaxed on stage than I do in life,' Hugh admitted during his sit down interview. 'I don't know what it is. I'm living the dream.' In Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes, Hugh engages in multiple steamy make-out sessions with his 25-year-old co-star, Ella Beatty. The pair were seen larking around in rehearsals this week. Hugh had his arm wrapped around the budding actress, who is the daughter of Hollywood legend Warren Beatty, and he beamed from ear to ear as he gave the camera a thumbs up. It follows reports that Hugh is turning up the heat on stage - as he continues to date his new girlfriend, Broadway actress Sutton Foster. Foster, 50, even made a backstage appearance this week, trying to quiet whispers that their new relationship has been on shaky ground since going public in January. But the show's raunchy moments can't be easy to watch for Foster, who reportedly struck up an offstage relationship with the Greatest Showman star while playing his love interest onstage. Adding more fuel to the gossip mill, fresh photos of the pair holding hands during the curtain call have sent tongues wagging. Offstage, Hugh's own split from Deborra-Lee Furness seems to mirror the emotional storm The two beamed with pride, looking completely at ease with the intimate gesture. It's not just the steamy make-out scenes turning up the heat — Hugh also unleashes a barrage of expletives, including blunt, graphic lines about a college cheerleader 'sucking his c***' Offstage, Hugh's own split from Deborra-Lee Furness seems to mirror the emotional storm. The actor, who has only been married once, announced his split from Deborra-Lee Furness, 69, in September 2023 after 27 years of marriage. In a joint statement at the time, they said they were 'shifting' and had decided to 'separate to pursue our individual growth.' The couple share two adopted children, Oscar, 24, and Ava, 19. Hugh and Sutton's relationship reportedly overlapped with the end of his marriage.
The Guardian
3 hours ago
- The Guardian
From Ballerina to the return of Pulp: your complete entertainment guide to the week ahead
BallerinaOut now Ana de Armas (Knives Out, Blonde) stars in this literal spin-off of John Wick, pirouetting through events set between films three and four, as ballerina-assassin Eve Macarro. Anjelica Huston, Lance Reddick, Ian McShane and Keanu Reeves return in their respective franchise roles. Dangerous AnimalsOut now Following in the footsteps of the likes of Dead Calm and Wolf Creek, this horror movie pits a woman in a remote location against a serial killer intent on – in this instance – feeding her to sharks, in a genre movie that has the distinction of having just premiered at the Cannes film festival. Clown in a CornfieldOut now You can't keep a good clown down, or a bad clown either, for that matter. Capitalising on the cultural popularity of the demon clown (see also: IT and The Terrifier), this horror film fetures one called Frendo, and if you've read Adam Cesare's novel, you'll know already that with Frendos like this, who needs enemies. FrequenciesBarbican, London, to 31 August Dedicated to sound on the big screen, this cross-arts season includes cinema presentations of music videos by Chris Cunningham, the Daniels and Jarvis Cocker, celebrations of pirate radio, and relaxed screenings for neurodivergent folks curated by Lillian Crawford. Catherine Bray Waxahatchee8 to 11 June; tour starts GlasgowAlabama singer-songwriter Katie Crutchfield, AKA Waxahatchee, brings last year's critically acclaimed, Grammy-nominated Tigers Blood album to the UK. Fusing Americana, folk and indie, Crutchfield's intricate melodies are anchored by a voice perfect for making increasingly larger venues feel intimate. Michael Cragg A Visit to FriendsSnape Maltings, Aldeburgh, 13 & 14 June The world premiere of Colin Matthews' first opera opens this year's Aldeburgh festival. With a libretto by novelist William Boyd, based upon a short story by Anton Chekhov and a play by Boyd himself, it is 'an opera within an opera, with music strongly influenced by Scriabin'. Andrew Clements Brighten the Corners festivalVarious venues, Ipswich, 13 & 14 June The five-venue Brighten the Corners shines a light on some of the UK's more eclectic music-makers. Headlining Friday are south London post-punk oddballs Dry Cleaning, while on Saturday it's punk duo Bob Vylan. Gruff Rhys, WH Lung and Richard Dawson are also involved. MC Clark Tracey Jazz ChampionsVerdict, Brighton, 13 June The flame of the late UK piano and composing maestro Stan Tracey burns on in the work of his drummer-bandleader son Clark, whose groups have long cherished the same wit, quirkily boppish grooving and improv punch. This fine lineup includes longtime Tracey sax heavyweights Art Themen and Simon Allen. John Fordham Liverpool BiennialVarious venues, 7 June to 14 September Ghosts of Liverpool's history, as a port that prospered in the age of empire, are likely to haunt this huge free art festival. Any angry spirits that are lurking will surely be summoned by spooky video artist Elizabeth Price. Other participants include Fred Wilson, Linda Lamignan, Sheila Hicks, Alice Rekab and more. Yoshitomo NaraHayward Gallery, London, 10 June to 31 August If you have a fear of art galleries full of kids who all stare at you with giant uncanny eyes, this may be unsettling. On the other hand if you're a fan of cute pop culture from Japan it is for you – a giant retrospective of Nara's striking multimedia oeuvre. Edward Burra – Ithell ColquhounTate Britain, London, 13 June to 19 October Two highly individual British artists from the age of surrealism for the price of one. Colquhoun painted inner visions of sex and magic, in which rocks and flesh merge in submarine sensuality. Burra is more external and satirical in his raw, even cruel depictions of the 1930s, when fascism rose. Sea InsideSainsbury Centre, Norwich, 7 June to 26 October The oceans that cover our planet are almost as mysterious as when medieval bestiaries portrayed their inhabitants as literal 'monk fish'. This exhibition enters the enigmatic undersea world through the imaginations of today's artists including Laure Prouvost and Marcus Coates, exploring human interactions with saltwater from fishing to migration. Jonathan Jones Suzi RuffellTouring to 23 NovemberMother, partner, daughter, friend, genial standup comedian: 39-year-old Ruffell's new tour show The Juggle is themed around the impossibility of excelling in all the roles her current life requires. Expect a rallying cry against perfection delivered with Ruffell's trademark goofy warmth. Rachel Aroesti StorehouseDeptford Storehouse, London, to 20 September This intriguing-sounding immersive show from new theatre company Sage & Jester unfurls across a huge storehouse in Deptford. The audience is pulled into a world where humanity's stories have been stored since the dawn of the internet. Will the defenders of Truth or keepers of Order prevail? Miriam Gillinson Come Fall in LoveManchester Opera House, to 21 June Sparky new musical comedy based on one of the biggest films in Indian cinema, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. A young British woman, Simran, embarks on a final summer of travel and freedom ahead of her arranged marriage in India – and promptly falls for laid-back lad, Roger. Directed by Aditya Chopra. MG Viva CarnivalSheffield City Hall, 12 June; The Glasshouse, Gateshead, 13 June; touring to 24 JuneOne of Strictly's very best, Oti Mabuse, launches her own carnival-inspired show, drawing on festival revelry from around the world, from Brazilian samba to Argentine tango to New Orleans jazz, and even the muddy fields of Glastonbury. She's joined by another Strictly favourite, and tango champion, special guest star Flavia Cacace. Lyndsey Winship Sign up to Inside Saturday The only way to get a look behind the scenes of the Saturday magazine. Sign up to get the inside story from our top writers as well as all the must-read articles and columns, delivered to your inbox every weekend. after newsletter promotion The GoldiPlayer & BBC One, 8 June, 9pmThe first series of this classy, evocative and thoroughly entertaining 1980s-set drama followed some of the small-time crooks who somehow orchestrated the notorious Brink's-Mat robbery. This time, police are searching for the other half of the bullion. Hugh Bonneville returns as the detective in charge. Flight 149: Hostage of WarNow & Sky Documentaries, 11 June, 9pm When a British Airways flight stopped off in Kuwait in 1990, its passengers were taken hostage by Saddam Hussein. Did the government know the plane was landing in a newly established war zone? This documentary covers the gobsmacking evidence. BethChannel 4, 9 June, 10pm The confusing technicalities of this thriller – it's Channel 4's 'first digital original drama' so will be broadcast on YouTube as well as linear TV – need not detract from the compelling premise: Beth revolves around a shocking mystery connected to an interracial couple who birth a white child. Abbey Lee and Nicholas Pinnock star. Not Going OutiPlayer & BBC One, 13 June, 9pm Over the past two decades, Lee Mack's knockabout comedy has quietly become one of our longest-running sitcoms (it's still a long way from overtaking Last of the Summer Wine, mind you). For series 14, the timeline jumps forward to chronicle Lee (Mack) and his wife Lucy's struggle to deal with their empty nest. RA MindsEyeOut 10 June; PC, PS5, Xbox From a former director of Grand Theft Auto comes this action techno-thriller about a former soldier with an unwelcome chip in his brain. Perhaps unsurprisingly, it comes across like a futuristic GTA (or less-futuristic Cyberpunk 2077). Dune AwakeningOut 10 June; PC, PS5, Xbox Reckon you could survive Dune's arid, pitiless hellscape of a planet? No, me neither, but Dune Awakening is built to support thousands of players fighting over spice and trying not to get eaten by giant worms. Keza MacDonald Pulp – More Out now After a 24-year break between albums, one of Britain's best bands return. Produced by James Ford, More features all the sly lyrical wit you'd expect from Jarvis Cocker, but also a hefty dose of gleaming pop as on the mighty Got to Have Love. Turnstile – Never Enough Out now After augmenting their hardcore sound on 2021's Glow On via appearances from Blood Orange and production from Mike Elizondo, the Baltimore band continue to broaden their horizons on this follow-up. On the title track the quintet add ambient textures, while Seein' Stars revels in an 80s synthpop strut. Addison Rae – Addison Out nowA TikTok star turned actor and influencer, 24-year-old Rae's debut single, Obsessed, was critically panned. Now she's one of pop's most interesting practitioners, skipping between Ray of Light-esque mood pieces (Aquamarine), trip-hop soothers (Headphones On) and sultry slow jams such as Diet Pepsi. Little Simz – Lotus Out now Ahead of her role as curator of the Meltdown festival in London, starting Thursday, rapper and actor Little Simz unleashes Lotus, an album focused on transformation and growth. While the playful Young dabbles in scratchy indie, the fiery Flood feels like the album's beating heart, Simz prowling around a sinister hip-hop beat. MC World Book ClubPodcast The longrunning BBC World Service series returns this week with a rare interview with pioneering sci-fi author NK Jemisin. Focusing on her new novel, The City We Became, Jemisin describes writing a futuristic New York. Trainwreck: The Astroworld TragedyNetflix, 11 June Largely pieced together through survivor testimony and individual video recordings, this unsettling film recounts how rapper Travis Scott's 2021 Astroworld festival performance resulted in a mass panic and crowd crush that left 10 dead. Not Another SnowflakeSubstack Journalist Nicola Kelly's weekly Substack posts are an illuminating insight into Britain's changing and often worrying political relationship with immigration. Combining original reporting and news analysis, Kelly charts Keir Starmer's ongoing attempts to implement hardline policies. Ammar Kalia
