L'Animale (2018)
An Austrian coming-of-age drama about identity, belonging, and the cost of conformity in a small rural community.
L'Animale - Movie Information
- Original Title: L'Animale
- Release Year: 2018
- Directed by: Katharina Mückstein
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 33m
- Original Language: German
- Spoken Languages: German
- Release Date (Theatrical): March 16, 2018 (Austria)
- Alternative Titles: Hayvan (TR), Desejo, Paixão e Razão (BR)
- Production Companies: Nikolaus Geyrhalter Filmproduktion, ORF, La Banda Film
- Production Countries: Austria
L'Animale - Plot
Riding on their tuned-up bikes, Mati and her posse of male friends intimidate their neighborhood and harass the girls. In their village, they rule. But when her closest pal Sebastian falls in love with Mati and her enemy Carla unexpectedly turns into a friend, Mati is in danger of losing her standing among her male friends. Meanwhile Mati's parents have a decision to make: What's more important, appearances or reality?
L'Animale - Trailer
See the world of L'Animale unfold in the official trailer:
Where to Watch L'Animale
Looking for where to watch L'Animale?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
L'Animale - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Katharina Mückstein
Main Cast
- Sophie Stockinger
- Kathrin Resetarits
- Dominik Warta
- Julia Franz Richter
- Jack Hofer
- Stefan Pohl
- Dominic Marcus Singer
- Simon Morzé
- Johanna Orsini-Rosenberg
- Eva Herzig
Writers
- Katharina Mückstein
Producers
- Katharina Mückstein
L'Animale - FAQs
What is L'Animale about?
L'Animale follows Mati, a teenage girl who rides with a pack of male friends and dominates her rural Austrian village. When her best friend falls for her and her rival becomes a confidante, Mati's sense of identity and belonging is thrown into crisis, forcing her to confront questions of gender, desire, and selfhood.
Does Mati come out as queer in L'Animale?
The film handles Mati's sexuality with deliberate ambiguity rather than a clear coming-out moment. Her growing closeness with Carla suggests an awakening attraction, but L'Animale resists neat labels, instead portraying the messy, unresolved nature of adolescent identity and desire with honesty and restraint.
Who plays Mati in L'Animale?
Mati is played by Sophie Stockinger, who delivers a raw and physically committed performance at the center of the film. The supporting cast includes Kathrin Resetarits, Dominik Warta, Julia Franz Richter, and Jack Hofer, all of whom bring authenticity to the film's tightly knit ensemble.
How does the subplot about Mati's parents connect to the main story?
Mati's parents are quietly navigating their own crisis around appearances versus authenticity, mirroring their daughter's internal struggle. The parallel storyline deepens the film's central theme: that the pressure to conform to social expectations cuts across generations, shaping both teenage rebellion and adult compromise in equal measure.
Who directed L'Animale?
L'Animale was written and directed by Austrian filmmaker Katharina Mückstein. The film marked a significant step in her career, earning recognition on the international festival circuit for its assured visual style and its nuanced, empathetic approach to gender identity and adolescent experience.
Where can I stream L'Animale?
L'Animale is currently available to stream on Tubi TV with ads. Availability may vary by region, so checking your local streaming platforms is recommended for the most up-to-date options.
What genre is L'Animale and how long is it?
L'Animale is a Drama film with strong coming-of-age and LGBT themes. The film runs for 93 minutes, making it a compact and focused narrative experience. It was produced in Austria and is spoken entirely in German.
When was L'Animale released?
L'Animale had its Austrian theatrical release on March 16, 2018. The film subsequently reached international audiences through festival screenings and later became available on streaming platforms, broadening its reach beyond its Central European origins.
More About L'Animale
Explore further details about L'Animale on these authoritative databases: