KSL Movie Show review: ‘Dangerous Animals’ might be the best shark-related horror film since ‘Jaws’
Jun 6, 2025, 9:00 AM
"Dangerous Animals" movie poster.
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I believe I’ve made it crystal clear that I’m not a fan of being scared at movies, but I get that some of you find it to be exhilarating and a real rush. No judgment here. Let that fright flag fly.
So I’m here to tell you that “Dangerous Animals” might be the best shark-related horror film I’ve seen since the original “Jaws” in 1975. With absolutely no respect to the “Sharknado” franchise, this bad boy is both terrifying and extremely well done.
This (gulp) adventure takes us to the Gold Coast, in Queensland Australia, where we meet a crusty ship’s captain Tucker (Jai Courtney) who specializes in giving tourists a chance to swim with the sharks protected by a steel cage. He also happens to be a serial killer, who once he discovers that no one knows the whereabouts of his clients, he uses them as shark food by dangling them partially in the chummed water, while videotaping their demise.
He also forces a second would-be victim to witness the gruesome death and records their reaction, knowing full well, that their turn will be next. This is one sick dude that has developed a deep and lasting respect for these predators of the sea.
So once we see what he’s capable of, he’s on the hunt again for his next victim and finds a young surfer eager to catch the pre-dawn waves alone. Drugged and dragged back to his fishing trawler, Zephyr (Yellowstone’s Hassie Harrison) is to continue the demented sailor’s vision, first as a witness, and then as yet another shark-bait reality show, but he’s underestimated her determination to survive.
Yes, I know this all sounds rather pedestrian and straight forward, but it’s anything but. The creative efforts Zephyr goes through to attempt to escape and Tucker’s equal zeal in keeping her hostage is the essence of this sordid tale. He actually respects her fearless efforts and considers it a challenge to defeat her in his ritualistic, disturbing game.
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There’s a line from ‘The Godfather Part III’ that states, “just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in.” That premise is all over this movie, as the filmmaker toys with his audience by giving you hope one moment and dashing it the next. The rollercoaster of emotions you’ll feel with each twist and turn is master storytelling, making this a suspenseful film not to be trifled with and not soon forgotten.
I still don’t enjoy being frightened out of my wits, but I have to applaud a well-crafted thriller like ‘Dangerous Animals’ for providing a layered platform for my frayed nerves to freak out in.
DANGEROUS ANIMALS (B+) Rated R for strong bloody violent content/grisly images, sexuality, language and brief drug use. Starring Hassie Harrison, Jai Courtney, Josh Heuston, Ella Newton and Liam Greinke. Directed by Sean Byrne (“The Devil’s Candy” “The Loved Ones”) – filmed in Gold Coast, Queensland Australia. Running time: 98 minutes.
