Empire Magazine Praises Sean Byrne’s ‘Dangerous Animals’ as ‘Stylish and Tense’ Thriller

In a recent critique published by the esteemed Empire Magazine, filmmaker Sean Byrne’s latest feature, “Dangerous Animals,” written by Nick Lepard, has been highlighted as a noteworthy entry in the thriller genre. The review, penned by critic Ben Travis and made public on June 6th, 2025, at precisely 12:08 pm, describes the film as a compelling blend of “creature-feature and killer-thriller,” ultimately deeming it a “stylish and tense” cinematic experience.

A Perilous Coastal Predicament

Set against the backdrop of the visually striking Australian coast, “Dangerous Animals” plunges audiences into a harrowing survival narrative. The plot centers on Tucker, portrayed by actor Jai Courtney, who operates as a serial killer along the scenic coastline. Tucker’s latest victim is Zephyr, a surfer played by Hassie Harrison, whom he captures with the sinister intention of feeding her to sharks.

The film navigates the tense dynamic between captor and captive, exploring themes of survival and the primal fear of both human and natural predators. With an approximate runtime of 90 minutes, the movie endeavors to deliver a concentrated dose of suspense and action, leveraging its unique coastal setting to amplify the feeling of isolation and vulnerability.

Performances Under Scrutiny

A key focus of Ben Travis’s review is the performances that anchor the film. Jai Courtney’s portrayal of the villainous Tucker received particular attention. Travis lauded Courtney’s commitment to the role, drawing comparisons between his character and iconic cinematic antagonists such as Quint from “Jaws” and Buffalo Bill. This comparison suggests a performance that is both menacing and perhaps possesses a distinctive, unsettling quality.

Conversely, the characterization of the protagonist, Zephyr, was noted as being somewhat shallow. Despite this perceived lack of depth in the writing, Hassie Harrison’s performance was singled out for praise. Travis commended Harrison’s “spirited portrayal,” indicating that her energy and presence helped elevate the character beyond the limitations of the script.

Furthermore, the review briefly mentions the on-screen chemistry between Zephyr and the character Moses, played by Josh Heuston. While not central to the core premise involving Tucker and Zephyr, this element appears to contribute to the film’s narrative fabric, adding another layer to Zephyr’s world before her capture.

Critical Takeaways and Genre Blending

Empire Magazine’s assessment positions “Dangerous Animals” as a film that successfully merges two distinct thriller subgenres. The description of it being both a “creature-feature” and a “killer-thriller” implies that it incorporates elements of naturalistic horror (the threat of sharks) with the suspense and psychological terror associated with human antagonists. This hybrid approach is seemingly central to the film’s identity.

The overall verdict, labeling it a “better-than-average shark movie,” suggests that while it may operate within a familiar cinematic space, “Dangerous Animals” manages to distinguish itself through its execution. The review’s emphasis on the film being “stylish and tense” points towards effective direction by Sean Byrne and potentially strong cinematography or pacing that enhances the suspense.

Despite the critique regarding Zephyr’s character depth, the strength of the performances, particularly Courtney’s compelling villain and Harrison’s spirited heroine, appears to be a significant factor in the film’s positive reception by Empire Magazine. The blend of human-led terror and the ever-present threat of the marine environment provides the foundation for the tension highlighted in the review.

Conclusion

As detailed in Ben Travis’s review published in Empire Magazine on June 6th, 2025, “Dangerous Animals” offers a noteworthy cinematic experience. Sean Byrne’s film, written by Nick Lepard, starring Jai Courtney, Hassie Harrison, and Josh Heuston, is described as a “stylish and tense” fusion of creature-feature and killer-thriller genres. While the writing for the lead heroine faces some criticism, strong performances and effective genre blending contribute to its standing as a “better-than-average shark movie” set against the unforgiving beauty of the Australian coast. The review signals that audiences can anticipate a suspenseful and visually engaging ninety-minute journey into peril.