Director Sean Byrne is making a splash with his upcoming shark tale. The Devil’s Candy and The Loved Ones director took a risk with his upcoming film, Dangerous Animals, which is already paying off. Some movie buffs might believe that the world doesn’t need more shark horror films, which is understandable when there’s a classic like Jaws around. However, it seems like Bryne has been able to fill a wide gap in the shark thriller genre with his film led by Suicide Squad star Jai Courtney.
Dangerous Animals is sitting at an 89% on Rotten Tomatoes and reviewers are singing its praises. The IFC film stars Courtney as a sick serial killer who likes to play with his victims. The official synopsis reads: “When Zephyr, a rebellious surfer, is abducted by a shark-obsessed serial killer and held captive on his boat, she must figure out how to escape before he carries out a ritualistic feeding to the sharks below.” Zephyr, played by Hassie Harrison, has to endure animal threats as well as the looming presence of the sadistic killer.
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This might just be the summer of Byrne. Not only is his shark-obsessed serial killer film already doing great before its theatrical release on Jun. 6, but his 2009 horror sleeper hit is coming to Shudder on Jun. 1. Critics everywhere are making sure that other horror and shark fans go to the depths of their local theater to see Bryne’s latest project. One reviewer, Dread Central’s Josh Korngut, said “‘Dangerous Animals’ blends slasher tension with creature-feature horror as Jai Courtney gives one of the most exciting unmasked villain performances in years.” Meanwhile, Time Out critic Philip de Semlyen echoed a similar sentiment, saying:
“It takes a steady hand to pull off a horror film as outlandish as Dangerous Animals, but Byrne has pulled off something slick and confident here. It’ll keep horror fans out of the water for years.” Check out the trailer for the twisted serial killer film below.
Taking a Shark Thriller to the Next Level
Not only is Dangerous Animals an impressive revitalization of the shark horror genre, it also has its own unique mix of twists and turns. One reviewer, Ian Sandwell of Digital Spy, said, “While things might get increasingly ridiculous in its final act, Dangerous Animals has built up enough goodwill that you’ll be fully invested and happy to go along for the twisted ride.” According to critics, Bryne has created a truely fun, thrilling experience that might just have what it takes to become a modern cult classic.
The early success of Dangerous Animals has people’s eyes on Jai Courtney’s future as well. His hopes of returning to the DCU under James Gunn’s leadership might have even more gravity now that audience members are talking about his villain acting chops. Maybe Gunn will give the Boomerang actor a shot at playing the character with more depth. The actor’s role in the upcoming thriller might just catapult his return to a beloved DC character after all. It seems like many good things, and new shark phobias, are to come from Byrne’s upcoming Dangerous Animals.
Source: Rotten Tomatoes, Dread Central, TimeOut, Digital Spy
- Release Date
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June 6, 2025
- Runtime
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98 minutes
- Director
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Sean Byrne
- Writers
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Nick Lepard
- Producers
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Andrew Mason, Mickey Liddell, Chris Ferguson, Brian Kavanaugh-Jones, Troy Lum, Pete Shilaimon
