About the Film
The elegance of the visuals that Cyril Dion’s Animal provides is only matched by the elegance of the dialogue between its protagonists, Bella and Vipulan. In fact, Dion’s sophisticated visuals match these young environmentalists’ charged activism due to their fear for their futures and their cautiousness towards an environmentally threatened planet.
Realizing the planet’s plight early on, these environmentalists became active in a collective movement for the future. Their activism leads them to these problems’ source and shocking truths about politicians not wanting to enact change.
Through Dion, Bella and Vipulan found an opportunity to present the modern outlook that says that, for long periods of time, humans have treated animals as prey that must be eliminated in order to ensure the continuation of their existence. As a result of this approach, mankind is now on its way to losing the very earth it inhabits.
To portray this vision, Dion tours the globe with the two activists, documenting experiences that correspond to their general perceptions, while not being condescending to his companions. Unlike the politicians of Brussels.
Accompanied by environmental experts and scientists, they see what is happening around them, as they convey transformative visions as well as individual initiatives that are set to promote a shared vision for the world, a vision that encapsulates collective experiences and encourages change.
Beginning in a pessimistic manner, Animal ends on an optimistic note. Throughout the film’s lively flow, the camera unceasingly captures the most beautiful shots, even during its harshest scenes - unobserved commercial hunting, destruction of forests, air pollution, and horrific animal abuse.
Encouraged, Bella and Vipulan conclude, in a bit of an off-putting manner, that humans are natural animals - just like the rest of the creatures living on earth. Our destiny is one and we have to protect it.
Kais Kassem
