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Animal

Animal (2023)

Dec 01, 2023 3h 21m Action Crime Drama

The hardened son of a powerful industrialist returns home after years abroad and vows to take bloody revenge on those threatening his father's life.

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Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Sandeep Reddy Vanga
Writer
  • Sandeep Reddy Vanga
Producer
  • Bhushan Kumar
  • Murad Khetani
  • Pranay Reddy Vanga
  • Krishan Kumar

Reviews

Chandler Danier
6/10

2.5 hours of bloat. None of this makes sense to me. Lots of killing. Lots of love? Really not enough of anything to make it 3.5 hours. Everything looks good. Really cool stuff but...I suppose i don't have the cultural knowledge to get emotionally involved in the random killing, sex, betrayal, doubles... Unbelievable and the runtime, unbearable.

Jan 30, 2024

tmdb88404076
10/10

3 and a half hours of action, drama, intrigue and character study. Vanga shows he believes in quality over quantity, thereby balancing the dose of violent action with character drama. Some comedy aimed at male audiences also makes occasional appearance. Not a film for the faint-hearted, feminists or detractors of the action thriller genre. A lot of random scenes happen post the action-packed interval scene, but they add depth to the characters. Those crying about toxicity and misogyny need a dictionary, not a Netflix subscription. Chill.

Feb 8, 2024

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Animal examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2023, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Animal took approximately 11 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • With a budget of $13.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 201 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 251 minutes long.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
  • The musical score contains over 35 unique compositions.

Historical Context

  • In 2023, when this film is released:
  • Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While Animal shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Earth, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Animal subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Like Stars on Earth and Water explore similar territory, Animal stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: December 1, 2023
  • Runtime: 3h 21m
  • Budget: $13,000,000
  • Revenue: $108,300,000

Where to Watch

Netflix

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