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.

A drama about the relationship of a young couple, Jude and Bobbie, who live in their car and support their drug habit in a matter-of- fact way through shoplifting and scams, until their situation turns sufficiently sour for them to re-evaluate. It sounds bleak, but there's enough humanity and compassion shown to carry it through so we don't give up on them.

There are fantastic performances from the leads, writer/producer David Dastmalchian and Kim Shaw, who convince as a couple who care deeply for each other despite the occasional flashes of selfishness that ring true as symptoms of addiction. The supporting cast are all good too, including John Heard in a small but significant role as a security guard.

Director/producer Collin Schiffli and DP Larkin Donley also do great jobs. I loved an early transition from a view out from an apartment window to the reality of the car windshield.

Be warned, there are graphic images of drug use, including injecting into the neck and groin, and a desperate moment on a filthy bathroom floor that made me wince.

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.

It's not often that a film comes along that accurately captures the incredibly bleak and painful world of heroin addiction. Critically acclaimed films like Trainspotting and Requiem For a Dream are quick to come to mind, but fifteen long years have past since the subject has been hit so emotionally and true to life. David Dastmalchian, the film's writer and lead actor opposite of Kim Shaw, has taken his own past experience and personal struggles with addiction and used it to create a film that captures the day to day struggle an addict faces in a fashion that is second to none.

I've been on methadone maintenance successfully for eleven years and over that time I've forgotten the horror's of my past or maybe buried would be a better term. So this film was real on a very personal level to me, it was as if I was reliving past experiences as events unfolded within the film. I've read that Dastmalchian worked with director Collin Schiffli for a number of years on this project and their devotion to the film shows in its execution. While it's not quite as artistic and visually spectacular as Trainspotting and Requiem for a Dream, it held its own and it didn't romanticize the subject like certain films do. This film is just a small slice out of the life of an addict, what you see here is perfectly normal and it's a cycle of hell that just repeats itself daily. Nothing is stable, you're never ahead of tomorrow. It's nice to see that Dastmalchian has been one of the rare few who has escaped the trappings of addiction and went on to much better things in life. In this case writing his first script and taking the lead in Animals, a film that is certainly worth a look.