Only The Animals (2019) Neon
Directed By: Dominik Moll
Starring: Denis Menochet, Laure Calamy, Damien Bonnard
Plot Summary: Following the disappearance of the glamorous and secretive Evelyne Ducat (Valeria Bruni Tedeschi) during a blizzard in the highlands of southern France, the lives of five people inextricably linked to Evelyne are brought together to devastating effect as the local police investigate the case.
Last night was the first big snow storm of the year. So, it seems rather fitting watching Dominik Moll’s Only the Animals. After all, the plot centers around a woman who goes missing after a blizzard and the chain of events leading up to and after. Moll’s film is as bleak and icy as the remote snow-covered landscape. Here we meet a group five characters all circling the drain of desperation, trying to fill a void whether that be from sex, money or loneliness. This is a movie that both demands and, in my opinion rewards (for the most part) the audience’s strict attention. On the surface the plot is a fairly simple one, yet its how Moll tells it that makes for an interesting experience. The filmmaker only gives you fragments of information and woven together is not only a compelling study in human frailty, but also an engaging mystery. Indeed, as the movie unfolds the twists and turns make for an interesting cerebral thriller. On a technical level the film is beautifully shot. Cinematographer Patrick Ghiringhelli truly makes a meal out of the stark and frozen backdrops which further enhances the films haunting vibe.
Having said all that, the movie is far from perfect. The think my biggest issue is the latter half, which feels rushed and not as complete as it could have been. To avoid spoilers, I will just say that some major third act plot reveals feel, in my opinion, sloppily handled. Also, there are certain characters that feel like they could have used more fleshing out. In fact, one is simply a haphazard red herring which feels like a waste. It’s a shame because I think the movie is gripping but just doesn’t stick the landing.
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Big film nerd and TCM Obsessed. Author of The Ultimate Guide to Strange Cinema from Schiffer Publishing. Resume includes: AMC’s The Bite, Scream Magazine etc. Love all kinds of movies and television and have interviewed a wide range of actors, writers, producers and directors. I currently am a regular co-host on the podcast The Humanoids from the Deep Dive and have a second book in the works from Bear Manor.
