I am a huge fan of the compelling David Michôd film Animal Kingdom released in 2010. Even though it's been 14 years since it was released, I still regularly find my inner cinephile hankering after this stone cold classic, or at the very least craving a wee read around the subject matter, perhaps open up the Wikipedia page or find a YouTube analysis of the film.
Why is Animal Kingdom so good?
As well as an unwavering sense of nostalgia that keeps me returning to this film, there's also a hypnotic je ne sais quoi about Animal Kingdom that keeps it fresh no matter how many times I revisit this work of art. Maybe it's that I was an impressionable young whippersnapper in the year 2010 when I first discovered Animal Kingdom, or the fact that David Michôd were absolutely at the top of their game when they released said film. It's hard to pinpoint something so transcendental. Once you love a piece of art you become faithful to it's ethos.
Animal Kingdom is a film that is still relevant
One thing's for sure though, Animal Kingdom has stood the test of time and then some. It remains as powerful and relevant today as it did in 2010. And why wouldn't it? With powerful portrayal of a criminal family like that, it's no wonder people return to this film again and again. I can't imagine life without it John.
David Michôd knocked it out the park
But it's not just the powerful portrayal of a criminal family that make this film great. It's the overall package. The incredible performance by Jacki Weaver as the matriarch Janine is a tour de force. The tense, claustrophobic atmosphere throughout the film is integral, as is the stark, realistic portrayal of Melbourne's criminal underworld. And who can forget understated yet effective score by Antony Partos. When David Michôd created this timeless classic, never mind the ball park, they knocked this one out of the solar system. This bad boy is in danger of bothering Voyager.
Has Animal Kingdom stood the test of time?
Of course, there are other films out there to be argued for. Harder, better, faster, stronger. Some might argue that Juno is better than Animal Kingdom, or that Jason Reitman is better than David Michôd. They may well have a point. But for me, Animal Kingdom will always hold a special place in my heart. And 14 years tickling the meridian response does not lie.
Animal Kingdom in conclusion
To sum up, Animal Kingdom is a wonderful thing, a film of unrivalled quality. It's a film that has etched itself into the psyche, distributing untold tingles up the spine, hogging synapses and monopolising neurons that could otherwise be put to use appreciating more important, or perhaps more useful information. But no matter what life throws at me, I know I can always rely on Animal Kingdom to deliver the goods.