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The Animal Kingdom

Name: The Animal Kingdom
Director: Edward H. Griffith
Released: 1932
Duration: 85 min

Representation Score

1.8/10

Minimal

1932

Approved

Director

Edward H. Griffith

Runtime

85 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The Animal Kingdom is a period-specific exploration of high-society disillusionment. While it offers a nuanced look at the psychological toll of social performance, it remains limited by the era's social constraints. The film focuses heavily on a narrow, homogeneous demographic. The narrative's strength lies in its portrayal of women's ability to drive the story, particularly through Daisy's refusal to be a passive participant in the protagonist's indecision. This provides a progressive counterpoint to the era's typical formulas. However, the film lacks depth in reflecting multiple aspects of identity. The focus on traditional romantic conflict and a lack of racial or LGBTQ+ representation results in a narrow scope that reflects the socioeconomic elite of the early 1930s.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Animal Kingdom have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film follows strict conventions that assume everyone is straight or cisgender. The central conflict revolves around traditional romantic relationships between the male protagonist and two female leads.

How does The Animal Kingdom portray gender?

Fair

Daisy challenges gender hierarchies by taking control and choosing to leave the male protagonist. However, the plot remains focused on the male lead's existential boredom.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Animal Kingdom?

Minimal

The setting reflects a homogeneous Anglo-Saxon social stratum typical of 1932 high-society dramas. There are no characters of color with significant roles or ability to act.

How does The Animal Kingdom represent religion and culture?

Fair

The narrative critiques the performative nature of wealth and social obligations. It portrays the family unit as a source of boredom rather than a moral ideal, but it does not delve into deeper systemic issues.

Does The Animal Kingdom include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no visible or invisible disabilities portrayed as part of the character arcs or narrative development.

Present on Screen

Daisy takes control and protects her autonomy by leaving the male protagonist.
The film offers a subtle critique of the emptiness and performative nature of high-society obligations.

Limited or Absent

The narrative lacks racial and ethnic diversity, focusing on a homogeneous Anglo-Saxon social stratum.
There is no representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth characters.
The plot is heavily centered on the male protagonist's perspective and existential boredom.

Official Synopsis

Tom Collier has had a great relationship with Daisy, but when he decides to marry, it is not Daisy whom he asks, it is Cecelia. After the marriage, Tom is bored with the social scene and the obligations of his life. He publishes books that will sell, not books that he wants to write. Even worse, he has his old friend working as a butler and Cecelia wants him fired. When Tom tries to get back together with Daisy to renew the feelings that he once felt, Daisy turns the tables on him and leaves to protect both of them.

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