The elusive divide between carefree hedonism and adult responsibility can often make us feel like we're howling at the moon. And that's one of the key themes of affectionate comedy-drama Animals, which screened in advance last night for Cineworld Unlimited members.
Cinderella's Holliday Grainger and Arrested Development's Alia Shawkat play Laura and Tyler, two best friends who regularly hit up Dublin in a blur of booze, sex and bonhomie. These two are everything to each other – until aspiring writer Laura unexpectedly enters a serious relationship. Is this the end of their bond, or is it simply set to evolve?
Adapted by author Emma Jane Unsworth from her own novel, this has been praised by critics as a lively and astute observation of 21st century friendship, guided by two terrific lead performances. And several Cineworld Unlimited viewers agree, starting with this from Philip Foster who lauds the movie's accuracy.
Stunning acting performances, especially from Holliday Grainger. A really accurate description of how complicated a long-standing friendship can be.
— Philip Foster (@PhiltheBear) July 16, 2019
The sort of film that deserves an Unlimited Screening and some good word of mouth.
Claire Allen praises the film for how it deals with the complexities of adult life.
Just home home seeing #UnlimitedScreening of #AnimalsMovie and thought it was brilliant and great casting and storyline about friends who want to continue with the party life but things go a bit array when life gets in the way @cineworld #CineworldUnlimited
— Claire Allan (@missclaireallan) July 16, 2019
Jen says that the movie struck an especially personal chord.
Really enjoyed @Animals_Film! Coming of age type (despite being in their 30s which I took much comfort from) about two boozy, drug loving best friends trying to find their creative voice and battling the inevitabilities of life! Very much a bit of me.
— Jen (@Jennifer1906) July 16, 2019
#AnimalsFilm @cineworld pic.twitter.com/XtsxlLQiwz
Cheltenham Cinematic also enthuse about the authenticity of the film.
#AnimalsFilm is a story of what happens when the drugs, sex, booze Partying ends and longtime friends change & then drift apart. Alia Shawkat is wonderful as the forever party animal with Holliday Granger as the one who wants to grow out of it yet still maintain the friendship.
— Cheltenham Cinematic (@CheltCinematic) July 16, 2019
Kyle Snape's response is somewhat mixed, although he still finds plenty to admire about the movie.
Thought it was fairly decent. The friendship was tackled very well and I liked how it looks into the issues regarding relationships and distancing in an authentic way.
— Kyle Snape (@kylemsnape) July 16, 2019
Just a shame that it really dragged and left me a bit bored at times.
Steve, however, says the movie was a somewhat meandering experience and could have done with more focus.
An ok film with some funny moments but it was a slow meander with only a weak point. I don’t think most were disappointed when it eventually fizzled out. If it had a deep and meaningful point it was lost on me.
— Steve (@coombsstephen) July 16, 2019
Anyone else who attended last night can tweet us their responses @Cineworld and using #CineworldUnlimited.
Animals is released on 2nd August, so if you missed out on the screening, be sure to watch the trailer.
In the mood for more? Don't forget Secret Unlimited Screening 12 gets underway on 29th July. Want to take a guess at the mystery movie? You know where to send your suggestions.
If you're yet to join Cineworld Unlimited and feel like you're missing out, then why not do so right now? For £17.90 a month, you get to enjoy unlimited movies, advance screenings and lots more. Click here to join Cineworld Unlimited.
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