Dangerous Animals

"Dangerous Animals" is a wild ride of a survival horror film that blends sun-soaked surf culture with some seriously dark twists. Directed by Sean Byrne and written by Nick Lepard, this U.S.-Australia co-production stars Hassie Harrison, Jai Courtney, and Josh Heuston, and it’s definitely not your average beach movie.

The story kicks off with a seemingly innocent shark cage diving experience that quickly turns into a nightmare. A free-spirited surfer named Zephyr finds herself abducted by Tucker, a shark-obsessed serial killer with a traumatic past and a twisted ritual involving his victims and the ocean’s deadliest predators. Held captive on his boat, Zephyr must use her wits and resilience to survive and escape before she becomes the next offering to the sharks circling below.

Clocking in at 98 minutes, the film keeps the tension high and the pace tight. Jai Courtney delivers a standout performance as the unhinged Tucker, earning praise for his intense and unpredictable portrayal. The film also benefits from strong direction, a moody score, and some genuinely nerve-wracking sequences that will keep horror fans on edge.

If you're into survival thrillers, serial killer stories, or shark-related horror, "Dangerous Animals" is likely to hit the sweet spot. It’s got a gritty, pulpy vibe with enough suspense and gore to satisfy genre lovers. Critics have mostly responded positively, with an 86% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a solid CinemaScore of B from audiences. Reviewers have called it “sharp,” “efficient,” and “better than a serial killer shark movie has any right to be.”

That said, it’s not for everyone. If you’re looking for realism or a deeply original plot, this might not be your thing. Some critics found it derivative and a bit over-the-top, with a few moments that stretch believability. But if you’re in the mood for a tense, blood-soaked thriller with a unique setting and a killer performance (literally) from Jai Courtney, this one’s worth diving into.

Just don’t watch it before your next beach vacation.