Review of American Animals (2018) by Jayden P — 06 Oct 2018

The film caught me off guard with its documentary style at first with shots switching between past and present as I expected something more stylish from the trailer. As the film slowly finds momentum through the classic 'clock work' anticipation music and fast cutting nature of the film, the audience is is definitely persuaded to feel excited through crude humor interesting sequencing of events early on as the plot builds. Though as things develop we're left feeling uncomfortable in this delusional quest for greater meaning in their lives - perhaps as someone who has felt (or feels) connection to these characters it was hard to not feel a nervous uneasiness toward the story's direction. Barry Keoghan as Spencer yet again plays an interesting part in conveying a sense of both innocence and vague bleakness simultaneously, I enjoyed his performance.

Throughout the film there are some clever references towards the perception of memories and feelings when the events are recalled from each of the lead characters perspectives. Enjoyable in parts, uneasy in others.