Animals

It speaks well to filmmaker Collin Schiffli that while this was his first full-length feature (following several shorts), it boasts high production values and discernible polish that can't be said for all debuts. Likewise, it marked David Dastmalchian's first time writing a full-length feature (following a couple shorts), but even here he illustrates keen intelligence that results in a fiercely strong, compelling story. Many are those films that have been made about drug addiction and connected struggles, but not all of them are able to pack as much of a punch as this one does, and that 'Animals' is as rich and impactful as it is says so much about the skills of all involved. In fact, for as tight and hard-hitting as it is, I rather think this stands notably taller than no few similar titles. It's a step or two (or three) too far to say that this is "enjoyable," but it's deeply absorbing and keeps us locked in from start to finish, and is absolutely worth exploring for anyone seeking a solid drama.

The picture is perhaps a smidgen imbalanced just in terms of tone, for while in the first act it's unexpectedly light (stopping just short of comedy-drama territory, to be honest), right around the halfway point we get an enormous shift that could scarcely be more unflinchingly bleak. That harsh dourness sticks around for a fair while until the last small stretch is characterized by a more bittersweet mood. However, chief characters Jude and Bobbie are centered all the while in a fashion that marks this ultimately as a tale more about their relationship than about their addictions - albeit a relationship that's defined primarily BY those addictions - and as such the entirety is able to remain a bit more centered and cohesive than it otherwise would have. Furthermore, it's readily evident that Dastmalchian wrote his script from a very personal place of past experiences, and that intimacy as much as the characters' (if not more so) allows the proceedings to resonate with a vitality that's undeniable. Jude and Bobbie are given meaningful character arcs that only bolster the power of the storytelling, and the scene writing is deftly varied while carrying substantial weight as the runtime elapses. Dreary as the movie is overall, in his writing alone Dastmalchian lends it a commanding magnetic presence, and I could hardly be more pleased with the result.

Moreover, I hope some day the man tries his hand at directing, because he seems to have most other aspects of film-making down pat, and that includes admirable acting skills. I couldn't possibly pick a favorite between Dastmalchian and co-star Kim Shaw, for both illustrate terrific range, nuance, and emotional depth that on the basis of this alone makes me want to find more from each. Though Schiffli's job as director is surely made easier with such a robust screenplay, and such a great cast, his direction is firm and focused, ever maximizing the potency to be derived from all the component parts. He also demonstrates a sharp eye for detail, which is particularly welcome here since there is so much of it to take in. The production design and art direction are superb, not to mention costume design, hair, and makeup: in every capacity we, as viewers, are fully immersed into Jude and Bobbie's sordid world, from the car that they live in, to the dealers they parlay with, to their paraphernalia, and the scams and petty theft they engage in for survival and to feed their addiction. Ian Hultquist's music rather sticks to the background, but subtly lends to the mood as it peeks up; kudos to cinematographer Larkin Donley and editor Amanda C. Griffin, who so capably helped to give shape to the feature. Really, all around 'Animals' is very well done.

I can understand how this won't appeal to everyone, not even taking into account the subject matter. For my part, though, I'm tremendously pleased with how strong this is in every regard, and I'm happy to give it a very high, hearty recommendation. Whether you're a big fan of someone involved or just seeking an engrossing, satisfying drama, as far as I'm concerned 'Animals' is fantastic, and worth much more than the time it takes to watch.

The woes of a young couple addicted to cocaine and drifting through a homeless existence in Chicago may not sound like an enticing piece of entertainment. In fact, it threatens to be one of those earnest but dreary "social problems" dramas you might go to only out of a vague sense of obligation. And the title, "Animals," doesn't help matters.

Surprisingly, and pleasingly, "Animals" proves to be not only a movie that's "good for you" but also a movie which engrosses and entertains in an easy manner which seems deceptively effortless. Much of this credit goes to the two leads, David Dastmalchian and Kim Shaw, and to the script (by Dastmalchian) which shows us the various ways these two survive through guile and petty crime. You don't approve of what they do and you certainly don't envy their lives and yet they retain a likable quality and don't seem to be that far removed from our own selves.

Each of the supporting characters is well-cast and effective.

Those seeking a movie which veers from the usual multiplex offerings would be well-advised to consider "Animals."

Drug addiction movies that I can recall often depict the characters in a crazy state to get their fix so they can have the best trip ever. These drug films don't often show the hunger for the drug fix that Collin Schiffli's Animals explores. Our heroes, Jude and Bobbi, need to eat, sleep and get heroin. They need it to survive and they can't get it alone. So they stick together. One pulls the other down and together they crash and burn. It's pretty sad…

But Animals is charming. Jude and Bobbi are pretty fun to hang out with. That's what it feels like, hanging out with a pretty cool couple. But when they aren't on their fix, they fall into a pretty depressing state. Schiffli does a good job balancing the tone of the film. David Dastmalchian is so charming (who would have thought after playing such creepy characters in Prisoners and Dark Knight?). Kim Shaw is amazing! She kept making me want to cry. How could someone so beautiful and sweet like Bobbi fall into a situation like this? The problem points to Dastmalchian's Jude!

Dastmalchian wrote this from his true life as a former heroin addict and it makes the experience all the more rewarding. I've been hearing some people call Animals a clichéd drug movie. I think that viewpoint makes you realize how addiction is still a problem and drug films haven't really shown it like this. Again, most drug films show the fun of the fix before the characters crash and burn. This film shows the reality of it.

PS – This indie film is low budget and it doesn't look low budget at all! This is the game- changing movie that could have Hollywood running for their money. If an independent filmmaker such as Collin Schiffli (like David Robert Mitchell with It Follows) can make a low budget film that looks and feels as big as a studio movie, then there is a change on the horizon for the studio system.

Animals ; a movie with a haunting premise that lingers on in your head..Exposing us to the disturbing reality of addiction.. David had done a good job not only in front of the camera but also in the writing side..Innovate and Brave approach of the entire team to show the disturbing reality is admirable..This is one of the few drug addiction movies after "Requiem for a dream" and "Trainspotting" which is brutal and honest..Eye flickering and mouth closing visuals of gruesome reality of drug addiction and charming romantic scenes are perfectly blended and well placed.. This "INDIE" film is a worth watch and trust me you will live along with "Jude" and 'Bobbie"..Another independent film which will be an inspiration to future aspiring film makers and talents..An unforgettable piece of art : ANIMALS..

As far as heroin addiction movies go this is far more similar to 'Candy' than Requiem for a Dream or Trainspotting as it follows the romance between two lovers who have fallen into the depths of addiction.

I had rather high hopes for this movie but felt it falling short compared to other romantic junkie flicks like Candy as the movie is a 'character piece' exploring the couples daily struggles rather than having a strong plot/storyline.

I normally love explorative character movies but these particular addicts just weren't particually interesting and I felt the dialog fell a little flat. Either the movie could of done with an extra half an hour of dialog or more of a story/obstacle for the protagonists to overcome.

If you enjoy films on addiction then you will probably enjoy this one but just go in knowing its not up to the standard of Candy or Trainspotting as neither the characters or plot are quite as deep.

I can only imagine the novel is far better as it would give the writer far more time to explore the highs and lows of addiction as well as drawing the viewer into caring more for the characters involved.

Overall I'd give it a 6.5 out of 10.