SYNOPSIS
Laura and Tyler are soulmates. Thirty-something best friends and revellers residing in Dublin, they are ingrained in the fabric of each other’s lives; dating, partying, drinking and living their life without limitations.
American ex-pat, Tyler – a siren of drugs, alcohol and debauchery – lures aspiring writer, Laura, away from her long overdue novel as well as her new beau, the irresistibly handsome Jim. A tee-total classical pianist, Jim is the antithesis of Tyler and the world she and Laura inhabit, and with his presence the girls’ hedonistic double act finds itself in jeopardy.
While Tyler wants to keep the party going, Laura, buoyed by Jim’s restraint and stability, starts to emerge from her years of partying, searching for her place in the world. Caught between desires – youth and adulthood, her old self and her future self – Laura impulsively gets engaged to Jim, knocking Tyler for a loop.
Bereft at the thought of losing of her partner in crime, Tyler spies a chance to rock the boat of the “perfect” life Laura can see on the horizon, but in doing so inadvertently helps Laura find a new unexpected path to independence.
At once both a celebration of female friendship and an examination the choices we make when facing a crossroad, ANIMALS is an honest, funny, edgy, unconventional and bittersweet snapshot of modern women.
DIRECTOR: Sophie Hyde
SCREENWRITER: Emma Jane Unsworth, adapting her novel
STARRING: Holliday Grainger, Alia Shawkat, Fra Fee, Dermot Murphy, Amy Molloy, With Pat Shortt And Olwen Fouere
PRODUCERS: Sarah Brocklehurst, Rebecca Summerton, Cormac Fox, Sophie Hyde
PRODUCTION COMPANIES: Sarah Brocklehurst Productions, Closer Productions, Vico Films
FINANCIERS: Screen Australia, Screen Ireland, Head Gear Films, M1 Capital, Aristo-invest, South Australian Film Corporation, Adelaide Film Festival
NOMINATED FOR 2 BIFAS: Holliday Grainger for Best Actress and Emma Jane Unsworth for Début Screenwriter; Emma Jane Unsworth won the award
WORLD PREMIERE AT SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL 2019
worldwide sales handled by cornerstone films
UK DISTRIBUTION BY PICTUREHOUSE ENTERTAINMENT
“Animals is a passionately performed film about women baring their flaws and still being not just likeable but loveable.”
Empire
“Untamed female friendship drama is a Sundance Triumph”