My Review Of "Animalistic"

"Animalistic" is a slice of extreme cinema playing on rape/revenge tropes classic to the subgenre which gave birth to the 1978 cult classic "I Spit On Your Grave". Directed by Sonny Laguna and Tommy Wiklund, the film pushes the visual shock level in "Animalistic". It stars Hanna Oldenburg, Ralf Beck, Torbjorn Andersson, Niki Nordenskjold, and Cheryl Murphy.

In this chilling thriller, Emma, an oil company executive, travels from Australia to the U.S to close a politically controversial deal. On her way to speak at a press conference, she hails a taxicab, but is drugged and abducted by the driver. She awakens bound in an isolated, filthy cabin and at the mercy of a trio of psychopaths, who she will have to turn the tables on in order to escape alive.

The story isn't very original nor does it expand upon the subgenre, but it does explore the subject matter with a push toward brutal, visceral, unease which tests the viewer's tolerance level toward revenge horror that plays in torture-porn lanes. The whole subgenre is hard to watch even the ones worthwhile, "Animalistic" takes you to the bitter edge of ability. 

The acting is intense,  acceptable performances that sell the cruelty set upon the protagonist, as well as that which show the assailants as disgusting members of humanities worst. It isn't stellar,  but enough to bring a very dark and disturbing story to life. It does bare mentioning that at times the acting is shaky and some moments feel too redundant. 

The effects are impressive. Graphic, gory scenes of horror and blood stained settings are good enough to make you gag at the grittiness on screen. The practical elements work well and when the killing goes to the good during the revenge portion of the movie, it works well! Plus the cringe worthy atmosphere and anxiety enduring score help pull you into the nightmare.

Overall, "Animalistic" lacks originality and creativity. However what you get is a purist, straightforward exploration of set expectations done good enough to satisfy most fans of the subgenre. All others with no taste or interest in this style of exploitation should stay away. But if you wanna check it out I say go for it! (3/5)