American Animals
66
metacriticBased on 36 Critics
82
Based on 29 Users

Release Date: June 1st, 2018

R |1 hr 56 min

Plot Summary

Spencer Reinhard, Warren Lipka, Eric Borsuk and Chas Allen are four friends who live an ordinary existence in Kentucky. After a visit to Transylvania University, Lipka comes up with the idea to steal the rarest and most valuable books from the school's library. As one of the most audacious art heists in U.S. history starts to unfold, the men question whether their attempts to inject excitement and purpose into their lives are simply misguided attempts at achieving the American dream.

Cast: Barry Keoghan, Evan Peters, Jared Abrahamson, Blake Jenner, Ann Dowd, Udo Kier, Gary Basaraba, Lara Grice

Director: Bart Layton

Genres: Thriller , Crime drama

Production Co: Lava Bear Films, Raw

Keywords: Growing up , School , Friendship , Rise , Amusing , Bar , Friend , Underdog , Quest , 2010s

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Ratings & Reviews

  • 50
    John AndersonWall Street Journal

    The robbery isn’t sophisticated enough on its own to hold one’s interest. show more

  • 90
    Fionnuala HalliganScreen International

    American Animals requires many cuts and perspectives which are second-nature to an accomplished documentarian, yet the drama here also seems effortless and seamlessly integrated. show more

  • 90
    Todd McCarthyThe Hollywood Reporter

    Both as a writer and director, Layton delivers the dramatic goods here with the skill of a pro at the top of his game while adding the rueful perspective of time's reassessment of youthful indiscretions; this has to rate among the most accomplished and fully realized big-screen debuts of recent times. show more

See all critic reviews on metacritic.com