Animal Kingdom

It is unfortunate the rest of the country will have to wait two months for the official and limited release of this instant classic. Not since The Proposition has an Australian narrative captured the attention of critics world wide.

Writer and first time director David Michod sat on Animal Kingdom for 10 years before the green light came with full backing and an all star Aussie cast. Michod had to first prove himself with several shorts before the industry gave him his shot. Well, let's just say he won't have to push his next project on anyone.

Animal Kingdom is based on a family of criminals, the Codys, that make the Corleones look like missionaries. We follow their youngest member Josh through an insane maze of murder, robbery, drug addiction, and indictments. Guy Pierce is the honest cop in charge of single handily saving Josh and what seems, at times, like the community as a whole. The film is so gritty and raw you can almost taste the tension in each scene. The photography and music are in perfect harmony with an edit and pace that reminds us why film can still be an art form.

This film shocked Sundance then came to the LA Film Festival and blew us all away. Look for nominations for Ben Mendelsohn, Guy Pearce, and especially Jackie Weaver. It's just that good...