Title: Animals
Year: 2019
Rating: 5.7
Cast: Holliday Grainger, Alia Shawkat, Fra Fee, Dermot Murphy, Amy Molloy
Description: A kaleidoscope of debauchery and despair, Sophie Hyde's "Animals" isn't a comfortable watch, but its unflinching portrayal of female friendship in the throes of self-destruction is undeniably captivating. The film burrows beneath the surface of hedonistic partying, revealing the anxieties and vulnerabilities that fuel Laura and Tyler's destructive cycle. Their bond, initially exhilarating, slowly morphs into a co-dependent entanglement, mirroring the cyclical nature of addiction and the insidious grip of self-harm. While the film's depiction of heavy drinking and reckless behavior might alienate some viewers, its raw honesty and empathetic exploration of female fragility makes it a powerful, albeit unsettling, cinematic experience. "Animals" is a film that stays with you long after the credits roll, prompting uncomfortable introspection and a deeper understanding of the complexities of female relationships and self-destructive tendencies. It's a dark, yet ultimately rewarding, journey into the heart of female friendship's most vulnerable aspects.