The Animal Kingdom 2023
"All creatures crave freedom."
Thomas Cailley's *The Animal Kingdom* (2023) plunges viewers into a hauntingly beautiful world where humanity is unraveling at the edges.
Director: Thomas Cailley
Cast
Romain Duris
François
Paul Kircher
Émile
Adèle Exarchopoulos
Julia
Tom Mercier
Fix
Billie Blain
Nina
Xavier Aubert
Jacques
Saadia Bentaïeb
Naïma
Gabriel Caballero
Victor
Iliana Khelifa
Maëlle
Paul Muguruza
Jordan
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *The Animal Kingdom* (2023) about?
*The Animal Kingdom* follows François as he races to save his wife after a wave of mutations begins transforming people into animals. Together with their son Émile, he embarks on a perilous journey into a mysterious forest, where the line between human and beast blurs, and survival depends on confronting the wildest parts of themselves.
Who directed *The Animal Kingdom*?
The film was directed by Thomas Cailley, a visionary filmmaker known for blending grounded drama with surreal, thought-provoking sci-fi storytelling.
Who stars in *The Animal Kingdom*?
The film stars Romain Duris as François, Paul Kircher as Émile, and Adèle Exarchopoulos as François's wife, with strong supporting performances from Tom Mercier and Billie Blain.
Is *The Animal Kingdom* (2023) worth watching?
If you're drawn to emotionally rich sci-fi with a unique premise, *The Animal Kingdom* delivers. The film's atmospheric storytelling and strong performances make it a compelling watch, even if its tone leans more dramatic than action-packed. Fans of character-driven adventure will likely find it rewarding.
How long is *The Animal Kingdom*?
*The Animal Kingdom* runs for 127 minutes, offering a immersive runtime that balances character development with its hauntingly beautiful sci-fi world.
🎥 Trailer
About The Animal Kingdom (2023) — A Gripping Sci-Fi Drama of Love and Mutation
Thomas Cailley's *The Animal Kingdom* (2023) plunges viewers into a hauntingly beautiful world where humanity is unraveling at the edges. When a mysterious wave of mutations begins reshaping people into wild, untamed creatures, François races against time to protect his wife, who is slipping further into the wilderness with each passing hour. Teaming up with their teenage son Émile, he ventures into the dense, enigmatic forest—a place where the boundaries between human and animal, fear and freedom, blur irreparably. This isn't just a survival tale; it's a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the primal instincts that lie dormant within us all.
With its lush cinematography and emotionally raw performances, *The Animal Kingdom* blends adventure and science fiction into a deeply human drama. Romain Duris delivers a standout portrayal as François, while newcomer Paul Kircher shines as Émile, capturing the raw vulnerability of youth facing an uncertain future. Adèle Exarchopoulos adds depth to the narrative, grounding the fantastical premise in raw, relatable emotion. As the family confronts the unknown, their journey becomes a metaphor for resilience in the face of change, wrapped in a story that lingers long after the credits roll.
