Film Review: Animal Kingdom (2010)

Australian cinema has long been a rich and dynamic field, contributing significantly to the global film landscape. Despite its vibrant output, it often remains overshadowed by its role as a valuable source of locations, technical resources, and talent for Hollywood productions. When Australian films do gain international recognition, it is typically due to their exceptional quality, whether through winning prestigious awards or receiving critical acclaim. One such film that exemplifies this phenomenon is Animal Kingdom (2010), a gripping gangster drama written and directed by David Michôd.

David Michôd's screenplay draws loose inspiration from real-life events that rocked Australia in the late 1980s, related to the notorious Pettingill family, a group of drug dealers and armed robbers operating out of Melbourne. In Animal Kingdom, this family is fictionalised as the Codys, led by the seemingly benign yet ruthlessly manipulative matriarch, Janine “Smurf” Cody, portrayed by Jackie Weaver. The protagonist, Joshua “J” Cody (played by James Frecheville), is her estranged 17-year-old grandson who returns home following his mother’s heroin overdose. Reluctantly, J finds himself drawn into the criminal activities of his uncles: the psychopathic Andrew “Pope” Cody (played by Ben Mendelsohn), the drug dealer Craig (played by Sullivan Stapleton), and Darren Cody (played by Luke Ford). Problems arise when corrupt police officers view the Codys as competitors rather than public nuisances. Following a violent incident involving the police execution of Pope’s associate Barry “Bazz” Brown (played by Joel Edgerton), the Codys retaliate by staging an ambush that would claim lives of two police officers. The crime shocks the nation, and J, who inadvertently took part in it, attracts the attention of Detective Nathan Leckie (Guy Pearce), one of the few honest policemen, who attempts to persuade him to testify against his family. Anticipating this threat, Smurf perceives J as a weak link and orders her sons to eliminate him and his girlfriend Nicole (played by Laura Wheelwright).

While Michôd's narrative effectively utilises fiction to address the complexities of real-life events that lacked clear resolution, he manages to provide a semblance of closure in his directorial debut. The real-life story surrounding the Pettingills was far messier and more convoluted than depicted in the film, lacking definitive conclusions. Michôd's adaptation delivers this closure in a manner that is both stark and ironic, leaving audiences with a sense of finality that reality often denies.

Throughout Animal Kingdom, Michôd maintains a competent directorial hand, with an unwavering focus on realism that sometimes sacrifices irony and black humour. The portrayal of the Codys and their dark world unfolds almost clinically, presenting a series of character studies steeped in violence, drug addiction, depravity, and paranoia. This approach results in an unsentimental and unglamorous depiction of gangster life. In an attempt to appeal to arthouse critics, Michôd includes several slow-motion sequences that arguably detract from the film’s pacing and contribute to an air of pretentiousness.

The film's most significant strength lies in its cast, featuring some of Australia’s finest actors. Jackie Weaver’s performance as Smurf is particularly noteworthy; she embodies a charming yet terrifying maternal figure whose duality earned her an Academy Award nomination. Alongside her are Guy Pearce and Joel Edgerton—both familiar faces in Hollywood at the time—but it is Ben Mendelsohn's portrayal of Pope that leaves a lasting impression. His chilling performance encapsulates the character's depravity and volatility, making him one of the standout elements of the film.

Conversely, James Frecheville's portrayal of J falls somewhat flat; he delivers a bland and apathetic performance that fails to resonate with audiences. His character's emotional detachment may reflect his upbringing amidst chaos but ultimately renders him an unremarkable protagonist within such a vibrant ensemble.

Despite these criticisms, Animal Kingdom succeeded where it mattered most: it garnered critical acclaim and provided a significant boost to several Australian careers in cinema. The film’s impact was substantial enough to inspire a US television remake starring Ellen Barkin, which aired for six seasons from 2016 to 2022.

Animal Kingdom is a gripping and well-crafted film that showcases the dark and violent underbelly of Australian crime, with a standout cast and a sense of closure that elevates it above the messy realities of its real-life inspiration.

RATING: 6/10 (++)

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