AMERICAN ANIMALS Trailer
The heist is on in American Animals, a stylish film that seems to be more interested in the young men looking for excitement than the crime they’re trying to pull off.
In a blend of documentary and narrative storytelling, Animals highlights a bizarre attempt to steal valuable material from a university library. The culprits are four affluent dudes with no pressing need for a big payday, and that lack of motivation is exactly what makes the incident so intriguing.
The story seems ripe for a twisted dive into modern manhood, at least from a particular socioeconomic perspective. I mean, you don’t just pick a grandiose title like American Animals and not make some broad observations, so I’d prepare yourself for a heady take on the story.
Writer/director Bart Layton has a background in documentaries, and word is that the actual men who attempted the heist pop in from time to time to give perspective. Whether these bits are scripted or not is unknown to me, but putting in documentary-style moments when the rest of the film is heavily stylized and features recognizable actors like Evan Peters and Barry Keoghan is a telling choice. Layton is going for a splashy narrative debut, and if he pulls it off, the film could be a notable entry in the long line of male anxiety cinema.
American Animals is directed by Bart Layton and stars Evan Peters, Barry Keoghan, and Blake Jenner. It will be released in the US on June 1st, 2018 and in the UK on September 7th, 2018. Further release dates are not currently known.
Are you interested in American Animals?
Does content like this matter to you?
Become a Member and support film journalism. Unlock access to all of Film Inquiry`s great articles. Join a community of like-minded readers who are passionate about cinema - get access to our private members Network, give back to independent filmmakers, and more.
