Dangerous Animals is about more than sharks. Marketed off the back of a collective fear, audiences coming into this offshore slasher film will be surprised. Not least by the presence of Jai Courtney as Bruce Tucker. An Australian archetype to his marrow who is equal parts swaggering sociopath and calculated serial killer. Director Sean Byrne captures his dynamic performance from all angles as Courtney dominates throughout. An unhealthy fascination with filming the feeding frenzies adding subtle layers to Courtney’s characterisation, and elevating audience expectations as he runs away with this film. Taking genre conventions on a roller coaster ride, that makes Dangerous Animals essential.
The other element in Sean Byrne’s arsenal is Hassie Harrison as Zephr. An actor who taps in her Jennifer Lawrence energy to give Jai Courtney some opposition on-screen. This beach bound bohemian surfer may have commitment issues but has no intention of becoming a main course. Resourceful, unruly, and packed with attitude, Zephr is an archetype from head to toe, but Hassie Harrison still delivers. Turning Dangerous Animals into a genuine two-hander as this impromptu cat and mouse game unfolds onboard, elevating a genre staple into something more.
A catch and release in shark-infested waters, held together by two actors going head-to-head, that maintains a sense of desperation throughout. Gruesome moments may be few and far between, but Dangerous Animals focuses on character over carnage. Offering Zephr just enough salvation to keep audiences invested and maintaining a degree of believability into the bargain. Walking that dramatic tightrope in a single location at sea is no mean feat, but one that director Sean Bryne pulls off, even when events head onshore.
Image Courtesy of MGM+
If Dangerous Animals conforms to formula at any point, it is most obvious in those moments on dry land. A chance encounter for Zephr early on, laying the groundwork for her rescue that audiences will see coming. Josh Heuston is given the thankless task of playing second fiddle to Harrison and Courtney, who are busy maintaining tensions. However, coming in and saving the day is not really a strong point for Moses, who drops the ball and almost ends up on the menu. To be honest, audiences are likely to overlook this convenient characterisation, because they will be looking elsewhere.
Anyone who thought that Jai Courtney was underrated despite supporting turns in A Good Day to Die Hard, Jack Reacher, and Suicide Squad should feel vindicated. Beyond the leading man looks this matinee idol tough guy is a true character actor. Someone capable of disappearing into a role and embracing every element irrespective of the demands. Sean Bryne must have known this going in, because Courtney has rarely looked so comfortable in his own skin on-screen.
Bruce Tucker might be a monster with questionable motives, but he hides in plain sight concealed by community. His fishing trips are well advertised, and this Australian archetype is an advantage. For that reason, his performance may look simple but there is a complexity beneath the surface that audiences will appreciate. So much so, that people might choose to re-evaluate their definition of a dangerous animal and focus a little closer to home. After all human beings rule over the food chain for a reason.
Dangerous Animals is available on MGM+ from Sept 12.