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The Animal Kingdom
Le Règne animal
2023 127 min Belgium, France 16+
★7.1
Adventure, Drama, Science Fiction
Director: Thomas Cailley
Trailers
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Description
In a world hit by a wave of mutations transforming humans into animals, François does everything he can to save his wife. As some of the creatures disappear into a nearby forest, he and their son Émile embark on a quest that will change their lives forever.
Budget:
$15.2M
US Gross:
$11,767
Worldwide:
$9.14M
Starring
Romain Duris
Actor
Paul Kircher
Actor
Adèle Exarchopoulos
Actor
Awards
César Awards 2024
— Best Sound
César Awards 2024
— Best Cinematography
César Awards 2024
— Best Original Score
César Awards 2024
— Best Actor
César Awards 2024
— Most Promising Actor
César Awards 2024
— Best Picture
César Awards 2024
— Best Film Editing
César Awards 2024
— Best Production Design
César Awards 2024
— Best Director
Saturn Awards 2025
— Best International Feature Film
César Awards 2024
— Best Screenplay
César Awards 2024
— Best Original Score
César Awards 2024
— Best Costume Design
César Awards 2024
— Best Visual Effects
Key opinion
Le Règne animal is a visually striking and emotionally resonant genre-blender that uses a mutation epidemic to explore themes of social exclusion and family dynamics. While the film earns praise for its naturalistic cinematography and nuanced lead performances, opinions diverge on its narrative depth and the effectiveness of its allegorical structure.
| Acting | The performances of Romain Duris and Paul Kircher provide an emotionally anchored core that effectively grounds the fantastical premise. | |
| Cinematography | The cinematography creates a high-quality, naturalistic aesthetic, particularly through its effective use of French landscapes and forest environments. | |
| Screenplay | The narrative oscillates between being a poignant, character-driven family drama and an unfocused story that struggles to juggle its crowded thematic ambitions. | |
| Pacing | The film's pacing is viewed by some as a contemplative and engaging slow burn, while others find it to be aimless, repetitive, or lacking in dramatic urgency. | |
| Theme | The allegory of mutation is seen by some as a meaningful probe into human nature and tolerance, while others criticize it as pretentious or lacking in logical consistency. |