'Dangerous Animals' Review: A Riveting Aussie Thriller Where Jai Courtney Faces an Ocean Apex Predator and a Sadistic Serial Killer
Director Sean Byrne’s Dangerous Animals plunges audiences into the depths of Australian horror, blending shark thriller tropes with the chilling menace of a serial killer. Starring Jai Courtney alongside Hassie Harrison and Josh Heuston, this grisly thriller explores the dark waters off Queensland’s Gold Coast where a psychotic boatman turns “Swimming with Sharks” tours into a nightmare.
From left: Hassie Harrison, Ella Newton and Jai Courtney in 'Dangerous Animals.'
Courtesy of Cannes Film Festival
Drawing inspiration from classic Ozploitation films like Wolf Creek (2005), Dangerous Animals relocates the terror from the outback to open waters, delivering a brutal mix of blood, guts, and psychological torment that fans of the genre will appreciate. Unlike more campy shark movies such as The Meg or The Shallows, Byrne opts for a darker, more visceral experience, focusing on human cruelty as much as the ocean’s deadliest predators.
Jai Courtney’s portrayal of Tucker—a menacing boat captain who abducts tourists for ritualistic killings—is a standout. His raw physicality and charismatic menace bring a chilling edge to the character, despite the script’s limited psychological depth. The film’s tension builds as Tucker preys on unsuspecting travelers like Canadian Greg and British hostel guest Heather, using his fishing boat as a deadly trap where victims are lowered into shark-infested waters.
Meanwhile, Hassie Harrison’s Zephyr, a resilient American surfer, adds a fierce and resourceful heroine to the story. Harrison’s performance highlights her character’s survival instincts and refusal to be victimized, setting up a tense battle of wits and willpower against Tucker’s sadistic control.
Josh Heuston’s Moses provides a compelling subplot as a real estate broker who becomes entangled in the mystery when he investigates Zephyr’s disappearance, adding a layer of suspense to the unfolding horror. The atmospheric score by Michael Yezerski, sprinkled with iconic Australian rock tracks, enhances the film’s intense mood.
Although Dangerous Animals sometimes leans too heavily on jump scares and repetitive escape attempts, its raw depiction of violence and suspense, combined with authentic shark footage, make it a noteworthy addition to the Australian horror and shark thriller subgenres.
Set to premiere at Cannes’ Directors’ Fortnight before releasing on IFC and Shudder, Dangerous Animals offers genre fans a gnarly and gruesome treat. For those who love shark movies with a serial killer twist, this film is a bloody feast worth sinking your teeth into.
