DANGEROUS ANIMALS
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Directed by: Sean Byrne
Starring: Jai Courtney, Hassie Harrison, Josh Heuston
Release Date: June 6, 2025
Platform: Theatrical
Rating: 3.5/5
“It knows exactly what it is: a gnarly, suspenseful, slightly ridiculous, but totally entertaining ride.”
DANGEROUS ANIMALS is the kind of horror thriller that reminds you why original ideas still matter in a genre inundated with recycled formulas simply wearing new masks. Directed by Sean Byrne and starring Jai Courtney, Hassie Harrison, and Josh Heuston, this Australian entry in the shark horror subgenre does something rare as it actually tries something different. Don’t walk into this thinking you’re getting another Jaws-inspired summer blockbuster though. This is not that. Instead, the film dives headfirst into a wild, bizarre, and genuinely unsettling story about a serial killer who weaponizes sharks to do his dirty work. Yes, you read that right. And honestly? It’s awesome.
What makes DANGEROUS ANIMALS work is the fact that it fully commits to its absurd premise and still manages to craft a tense, engaging ride, mostly set on a damn boat, which adds to the tension if you’re claustrophobic. Jai Courtney is the absolute standout here as Tucker, the film’s antagonist, and it’s clear he’s having the time of his life playing an unhinged psycho. He’s menacing, magnetic, and so vile you almost feel gross being drawn to him. During a dance scene that is somehow both sexy and chilling, you’ll feel deeply confused about your moral compass. Hassie Harrison holds her own as Zephyr, a badass surfer girl with big final girl energy and that “I’m not dying today” attitude that’s fun to root for.
Now, does the movie have its flaws? Absolutely. The CGI is a little rough around the edges—understandable given the budget—and some of the story progression feels like it’s held together by sheer coincidence. There are definitely moments where you’ll be asking yourself, “Would that actually happen?” and the answer is probably no, but if you’re in the right mindset, it’s easy to roll with. The core concept is so bizarre and entertaining that the imperfections kind of become part of the charm. Plus, Aussie horror just hits different. It’s got grit, humor, weirdness, and a rawness that makes it memorable.
At the end of the day, DANGEROUS ANIMALS isn’t trying to be a prestige horror film or a polished studio creature feature. It knows exactly what it is: a gnarly, suspenseful, slightly ridiculous, but totally entertaining ride. It has laughs, blood, tension, and a killer who feeds people to sharks like it’s a casual Tuesday. That’s reason enough to put your butt in a theater seat. It has some flaws, but it’s definitely worth the watch.
