AMERICAN ANIMALS (2018)

Genre: Crime/Drama
Director: Bart Layton
Cast: Evan Peters, Barry Keoghan, Blake Jenner, Jared Abrahamson
RunTime: 1 hr 57 mins
Rating: M18 (Coarse Language)
Released By: Shaw Organisation
Official Website: 

Opening Day: 14 June 2018

Synopsis: AMERICAN ANIMALS tells the extraordinary and thrilling true story of four friends living an ordinary existence who brazenly attempt to execute one of the most audacious art heists in US history. But not everything is as it seems, and as the daring theft unfolds through each of their perspectives, each of them start to question whether their attempts to inject excitement and purpose into their lives is simply a misguided attempt at achieving the American Dream.

Movie Review:

Four young men attempt to execute one of the most audacious heist ever and this is not merely based on a true story, but instead, this is a true story – so the film claims in its opening title card. Prior to the film, I have heard of Bart Layton, who’s pretty much known for his documentary works and who made one of my most liked documentary film The Imposter. I have already had somewhat an expectation that his first fictional debut would consist of elements of documentary storytelling. 

While I have also previously read reviews about how this film ‘can’t quite decide what it wants to be’, I feel that this is where the authenticity of the story lies. At times, it could be viewed as a comedy about four young men undertaking a crazy wild adventure of their lifetime as they dress up – though rather convincingly (and comically) – as old men to break into the Special Collections Library at the Transylvania University. This really reminded me of Harold and Kumar somehow, but on other moments, you could also see it as a critique of American society and the pursuit of the American Dream. Layered dimensions to the storytelling and characterization makes this film a powerful and of course, a highly enjoyable one. 

Coming from a documentary background, Layton draws inspiration from the genre and aptly incorporates interviews with the actual persons behind the actual incident intermittently, which are littered comfortably throughout the film. There were many times during the film I asked what exactly Layton was trying to do, and where the film would lead to. At some point, I even questioned if the actual incident really took place, or did Layton script and conduct fake interviews with fake interviewees? Well, I would leave you to the end of the movie to find out the answers but you will be surprised.

The heist film is told in a tongue-in-cheek tone, as you watch how the four men – Spencer (Barry Keoghan), Warren (Evan Peters), Chas (Blake Jenner) and Eric (Jared Abrahamson) craft a plan to steal one of the most valuable printings of Darwin’s paintings in the Special Collections Library. References were also made to Ocean’s Eleven,The Killing, and even Reservoir Dogs, which make the film quite entertaining. 

As a fan of heist movies, I fancy watching how a team of robbers work their way up, getting away with the obstacles for the greater goal – to steal the prize. But in American Animals, it’s the reverse we are seeing – how the team of supposed robbers are working their way ‘down’ (unbeknownst to them), and finally landing themselves in prison. So it’s quite a refreshing take on heist films, and soon after the movie, I realized that the film isn’t so much about the heist. It’s not about the car chases, or whatsoever, but it’s a relatable story of how a young person – any young person – wants to make it big in life, who doesn’t merely wants to float, but swim (as a friend whom I attended the screening with shared about his aspirations). The only thing ‘wrong’ or deviant about the way these four young men work towards their goal is – they engage in crime. Suppose Warren applies the same amount of dedication to another meaningful work, he might have been one of the featured people in Forbes today. 

A riveting crime-drama it is, American Animals does deserve a special shout-out and worth a watch.  

Movie Rating:

(A college book theft that studies the importance of perception and memory, as well as the unanticipated consequences of one of the most audacious heist in the history of United States)

Review by Jason Lee