The Animal Kingdom (2023)
A visionary French sci-fi drama where a father and son navigate a world unraveling at the seams of what it means to be human.
The Animal Kingdom - Movie Information
- Original Title: Le Règne animal
- Release Year: 2023
- Directed by: Thomas Cailley
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi
- Runtime: 2h 7m
- Original Language: French
- Spoken Languages: French
- Release Date (Theatrical): October 4, 2023 (Belgium - 14), March 15, 2024 (United States), January 11, 2024 (Germany - 12), October 4, 2023 (France - TP), June 20, 2024 (Mexico - B-15), June 13, 2024 (Italy), October 20, 2023 (Spain - 16), January 22, 2025 (South Korea - 15)
- Alternative Titles: Ζωικό Βασίλειο (GR), Le règne animal (MA), 進化症候群 (TW), The Animal Kingdom (IT), Królestwo zwierząt (PL), 동물 왕국 (KR), 动物王国 (CN), Королевство зверей (RU)
- Production Companies: StudioCanal, Nord-Ouest Films, France 2 Cinéma, Artémis Productions, Shelter Prod
- Production Countries: Belgium, France
The Animal Kingdom - Plot
In a world hit by a wave of mutations transforming humans into animals, François does everything he can to save his wife. As some of the creatures disappear into a nearby forest, he and their son Émile embark on a quest that will change their lives forever.
The Animal Kingdom - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see this extraordinary world of transformation unfold:
All creatures crave freedom.
Where to Watch The Animal Kingdom
Looking for where to watch The Animal Kingdom?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
The Animal Kingdom - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Thomas Cailley
Main Cast
- Romain Duris
- Paul Kircher
- Adèle Exarchopoulos
- Tom Mercier
- Billie Blain
- Xavier Aubert
- Saadia Bentaïeb
- Gabriel Caballero
- Iliana Khelifa
- Paul Muguruza
Writers
- Thomas Cailley
- Pauline Munier
Producers
- Pierre Guyard
The Animal Kingdom - FAQs
What is The Animal Kingdom about?
The Animal Kingdom is set in a world gripped by mysterious mutations that gradually transform humans into animals. A devoted father named François races to find his afflicted wife while his teenage son Émile begins showing signs of transformation himself, forcing both to confront questions of identity, belonging, and what it truly means to be human.
Who are the main actors in The Animal Kingdom?
The Animal Kingdom stars Romain Duris as François, the determined father, and Paul Kircher as his son Émile. Adèle Exarchopoulos plays Julia, a gendarme who becomes entangled in their journey, while Tom Mercier portrays Fix, a creature living on the margins of the mutating world.
Does Émile fully transform into an animal in The Animal Kingdom?
Throughout the film, Émile progressively develops animal traits — feathers, heightened senses, and physical changes — suggesting an ongoing transformation. The film deliberately leaves the extent and finality of his metamorphosis ambiguous, using it as a powerful metaphor for adolescent identity, self-discovery, and the tension between belonging to two different worlds.
What does the ending of The Animal Kingdom mean?
The ending sees Émile embrace his hybrid nature rather than resist it, choosing freedom over forced conformity. Director Thomas Cailley frames this as an emotionally liberating act — a son finding his own path even as it diverges from his father's world. It is widely interpreted as a coming-of-age allegory about accepting one's true self.
Where can I stream The Animal Kingdom?
The Animal Kingdom is available to stream on Hulu in the United States. It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Free streaming options include Kanopy and Hoopla, which are accessible through many public library memberships.
When was The Animal Kingdom released?
The Animal Kingdom had its initial theatrical release in France and Belgium on October 4, 2023. It opened in the United States on March 15, 2024, and subsequently rolled out across additional territories including Germany in January 2024, Spain in October 2023, Italy in June 2024, and South Korea in January 2025.
Did The Animal Kingdom win any awards?
Yes. The Animal Kingdom was a major prize-winner at the 2023 César Awards, France's most prestigious film honors, taking home five Césars including Best Director for Thomas Cailley and Best Supporting Actor for Paul Kircher. It was also selected as France's submission for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film.
What genre is The Animal Kingdom?
The Animal Kingdom blends science fiction, drama, and adventure. It uses a speculative sci-fi premise — a global mutation crisis transforming humans into animals — as the backdrop for an intimate, emotionally grounded drama about family bonds, identity, and belonging. The film appeals to fans of thoughtful, character-driven genre cinema.
More About The Animal Kingdom
Explore further details about this film on the following platforms: