Given how many movie franchises are transitioning into TV shows these days, it can be hard to keep track of the development process. So the fact that David Michod‘s breakout crime saga "Animal Kingdom" is to receive the TV treatment escaped my attention. But it’s gearing up to hit small screens this summer, and I have to admit, it looks like some sleazy fun.
Ellen Barkin leads the show as the head of a SoCal family of dirtbag crooks, with Scott Speedman, Shawn Hatosy, Ben Robson, Jake Weary, Finn Cole, Daniella Alonso and Molly Gordon rounding out the ensemble. Here’s the synopsis:
Animal Kingdom centers on 17-year-old Joshua “J” Cody (Cole), who moves in with his freewheeling relatives in their Southern California beach town after his mother dies of a heroin overdose. Headed by boot-tough matriarch Janine “Smurf” Cody (Barkin) and her right-hand Baz (Speedman), who runs the business and calls the shots, the clan also consists of Pope (Hatosy), the oldest and most dangerous of the Cody boys; Craig (Robson), the tough and fearless middle son; and Deran (Weary), the troubled, suspicious “baby” of the family. Also prominent are Nicky (Gordon), J’s steady girlfriend, and Catherine (Alonso), Baz’s de facto wife and the mother of their 3-year-old daughter, Lena.
It isn’t long before Josh is pulled into the family’s life of indulgence and excess, but he soon discovers that it’s all being funded by criminal activities. Joining the family comes with more danger and excitement than he might be ready to handle.
"Animal Kingdom" will get a sneak preview next month at the Tribeca Film Festival, and will hit TNT on June 7th. Watch below.
Onya Hollywood. Take a distinctly Australian story, and make it look like Point Break. FFS.
Glad to see Ellen Barkin with a gig. One of the most underutilized actresses in America.