Review of Animal Kingdom (2010) by Rob L — 06 Sep 2011

Although deploying many of the cliches of the genre, not least the portrait of a 'heart of gold' matriarch (see also The Krays ,) there is more than enough in this Melbourne set mob drama to hold the interest and I was gripped. Ben Mendelsohn looks less of the larrikin than his brothers in the malevolent Cody family, but turns out to be a true screen villain - psychotic and out of control - a cross between Joe Pesci and the title character of another Aussie movie, Chopper , with overtones of Russell Crowe's bully in Romper Stomper thrown in for good measure.

That Down Under setting makes for a refreshing mlieu and it's good to see Guy Pearce return to his roots - presumably some way across the Victorian capital from Ramsey Street. There are some truly horrible moments and it'll be no surprise if several of the film's stars go on to greater things. Michôd has turned out a first class debut.