Dangerous Animals is a 2025 Australian horror-thriller that plunges viewers into the terrifying depths of captivity and survival. Directed by Sean Byrne (The Loved Ones), the film stars Hassie Harrison as Zephyr, a young surfer who is kidnapped by a shark-worshipping serial killer, Tucker (played by Jai Courtney), and held captive aboard a boat in shark-infested waters.
With its grim setting and primal survival narrative, Dangerous Animals combines psychological horror with grisly violence, crafting an intense thriller that examines obsession, fear, and the will to survive. The film premieres at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival (Directors’ Fortnight) before its U.S. theatrical release on June 6, 2025.
Dangerous Animals Age Rating: Why Rated R?
Dangerous Animals is officially rated R by the MPA for strong bloody violent content/grisly images, sexuality, language, and brief drug use. It is intended for mature audiences only and contains several intense scenes that are inappropriate for younger viewers.
Here’s a detailed content breakdown for parents:
Violence & Peril – Severe
- The film features prolonged sequences of captivity, torture, and psychological terror, as Zephyr is restrained and tormented by her captor.
- Tucker is depicted as a ritualistic serial killer who feeds victims to sharks; the film includes grisly images of shark-inflicted wounds, mutilated bodies, and blood-soaked scenes.
- Bloody violence includes graphic stabbings, beatings, and one particularly disturbing scene where a character is dangled above the ocean and attacked by sharks.
- The intensity and realism of the violence may be deeply unsettling for sensitive viewers.
Language – Moderate to Severe
- Frequent use of strong language, including the F-word and other profanities.
- Some derogatory and aggressive dialogue from the antagonist, adding to the film’s emotional intensity.
Sexual Content – Moderate
- Contains a brief sexual scene and references to sexual behavior, though not prolonged or explicit.
- The captor-victim dynamic may contain implicit sexual menace or threatening undertones, contributing to the film’s psychological horror.
Mature Themes – Severe
- Themes of abduction, captivity, ritualistic murder, and psychological breakdown are central to the plot.
- The film also explores obsession, trauma, and survival instincts, with some emotionally intense dialogue and disturbing imagery.
- There is a brief scene involving drug use, portrayed without glorification.
Is Dangerous Animals Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: The film’s violent content, disturbing imagery, and mature themes are far too intense for pre-teens. It should be avoided entirely by this age group.
Ages 13–17: Although some older teens may be drawn to horror thrillers, the grisly violence, psychological trauma, and mature themes in Dangerous Animals are likely to be disturbing or inappropriate for most viewers under 18. Parental discretion is strongly advised.
Dangerous Animals is a tense, brutal horror-thriller designed for adult audiences. It is not suitable for teens due to its graphic content and mature subject matter.
What Parents Can Do
Preview Before Viewing: Watch the trailer and read reviews to assess if the tone and content align with your comfort level.
Discuss Themes: If older teens do watch the film, consider discussing its portrayal of fear, obsession, and survival ethics.
Monitor Emotional Impact: The film’s realistic violence and confined setting may trigger anxiety or distress in sensitive viewers.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for Dangerous Animals (2025)?
A: The film is rated R for strong bloody violent content, grisly images, sexuality, language, and brief drug use.
Q: How violent is Dangerous Animals Film?
A: It contains severe violence, including grisly shark attacks, torture, and graphic bloodshed. The film is intense and not for the faint of heart.
Q: Does the movie have sexual content?
A: Yes, there is a brief sexual scene and some implicit threat or tension in the captor-victim relationship, though it’s not a major focus.
Q: Is Dangerous Animals suitable for teens?
A: No. Due to its explicit violence and disturbing content, the film is not recommended for viewers under 18.
Q: When and where can I watch Dangerous Animals?
A: The film premieres at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2025 and will be released in U.S. theaters on June 6, 2025.