Two subgenres of horror I’ve always loved are Ozploitation horror and films about killer animals. Dangerous Animals, directed by Sean Byrne (The Loved Ones, The Devil’s Candy) and written by newcomer Nick Lepard, combines those two subgenres to bring a unique serial killer to the big screen. The film centers on Zephyr, a young American woman living a nomadic life surfing around Australia. When she’s abducted by a shark-obsessed serial killer, Zephyr must fight with all her might to keep herself from a violent, watery grave.

At first, the thought of a serial killer who uses sharks to kill his victims might sound a bit silly. Yet Byrne and Lepard prove otherwise with Dangerous Animals. This film contains Byrne’s signature combination of violent terror, lighthearted laughs, and emotional depth, along with the added excitement of killer sharks. Audiences have the chance to see Bruce Tucker, the dangerous serial killer, at work, as they witness a small glimpse at just how unhinged he is. Then, we meet Zephyr. The filmmakers wisely let the audience get to know this character before she’s abducted, and her character only continues to develop alongside Tucker’s throughout the film. After that, the real horrors finally begin.

Dangerous Animals is great for a number of reasons. Most notably, the film creates a serial killer with a unique, horrifying, and memorable method of killing his victims. It successfully reinvigorates what would otherwise be a fairly standard horror story. Even more impressive, despite Tucker using sharks as his weapon of choice, is that the filmmakers still make it clear the killer is the real monster, not the sharks. Tucker is sure to become a fan favorite, as well as Zephyr. With her independence and determination, audiences will root for her survival. Sprinkled in with the carnage are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, typically from Tucker, adding to the character while also upping the entertainment factor. If there is one potential downside to this tale of survival, it’s the love story the filmmakers weave throughout the film. At times it leads to a few heartwarming moments, but it also can feel a tad cheesy and unnecessary to the plot.

The entire cast of Dangerous Animals gives it their all, but there are most definitely two standouts. Jai Courtney (Divergent, Suicide Squad) delivers what might be his best performance to date as Bruce Tucker. He completely embraces Tucker’s insanity, injecting a bit of playfulness to an otherwise soulless murderer. It’s a delicate balance of danger and humor throughout the film, which Courtney really highlights during a drunken villain dance scene. Hassie Harrison (Yellowstone, Tacoma FD) stars as Zephyr. Audiences will no doubt fall in love with Harrison’s portrayal of this complicated character with a vaguely traumatic background. Zephyr is a capable, intelligent woman who will stop at nothing to survive. Tucker and Zephyr are two sides of the same coin, which is showcased in Courtney and Harrison’s intense on-screen chemistry and their deadly game of cat-and-mouse. The film also includes great performances from Ella Newton (Girl at the Window) and Josh Heuston (Dune: Prophecy).

A surprisingly great element of Dangerous Animals is the visuals. Tucker’s boat is a brilliant set. It’s clearly older and a bit rundown, but he also obviously does what he can to take great care of it. This boat is Tucker’s home as well as a tool for his crimes, which he of course would want to keep as well maintained as possible. Once out in the open ocean, there is nowhere to go other than the boat, making it both a source of terror and salvation for his victims. Audiences will undoubtedly be delighted that Dangerous Animals isn’t another in a long line of goofy CGI shark attack films. While it appears there is some CGI used, it is very minimal. Instead, the filmmakers took great care to use a combination of real sharks, realistic-looking prop sharks, and absolutely fantastic practical makeup effects to create everything from old scars to mutilated body parts. These visuals add to the appeal of the film while making it stand out from other shark horror films.

Dangerous Animals delivers thrills, gore, and a serial killer horror fans can really sink their teeth into. Byrne once again proves he can create films that are as entertaining as they are deranged, bringing the fantastic script by Lepard to life. The plot combines different subgenres of horror together in a way that is as seamless as it is unique, including a little something for everyone. Courtney is at his best as Tucker, and Harrison ensures audiences will remember her name. Not to mention the use of practical effects and makeup to ensure this film will stand the test of time. If you’re looking for a fun, summer horror film, then be sure to check out Dangerous Animals exclusively in theaters beginning June 6th.

OVERALL RATING: 8/10