After a decade of creating chilling horror films, Australian director Sean Byrne is making his long-awaited return with a new project titled Dangerous Animals. Known for his earlier works--the shocking 2009 film The Loved Ones and the critically acclaimed 2015 feature The Devil’s Candy--Byrne is back with a shark thriller that combines elements of serial killer horror.
Starring Jai Courtney, Hassie Harrison, and Josh Heuston, Dangerous Animals is set to hit theaters on June 6. Ahead of its release, the first teaser trailer and poster were unveiled by IFC Films and Shudder on March 20, 2025.
The synopsis provides a gripping premise: a rebellious surfer named Zephyr is abducted by a shark-obsessed serial killer and held captive on his boat. As tension mounts, Zephyr must devise a way to escape before the killer can execute a ritualistic feeding to the sharks below.
This project marks Byrne’s third feature film and diverges slightly from his previous works, as he did not write the script for Dangerous Animals. Instead, the screenplay was penned by newcomer Nick Lepard, who is excited about his first produced screenplay hitting the big screen.
After its theatrical debut, Dangerous Animals will make its way to the popular horror streaming platform Shudder. The anticipation surrounding the film has led to an eager online buzz, especially since Byrne has a devoted following from his previous horror successes.
The cast features notable names such as Jai Courtney, known for his role in Suicide Squad, Hassie Harrison from Yellowstone, and Josh Heuston, who recently appeared in the film Dune: Prophecy. Additionally, the film has a well-rounded ensemble that includes Rob Carlton, Ella Newton, and Michael Goldman, to name a few.
Behind the scenes, a robust production team- comprising Chris Ferguson, Brian Kavanaugh-Jones, and Pete Shilaimon, among others- has come together to bring this thrilling story to life. Associate producer Giorgia Stawaruk and line producer Sandy Stevens are also providing key support in the production process.
The reception of the teaser trailer has been largely positive, with many fans and critics alike expressing excitement over what they have seen so far. Byrne's return to horror is one that has many in the industry and beyond looking forward to witnessing his next installment.
Overall, Dangerous Animals promises to be a compelling addition to the shark-thriller genre, blending the terror of the ocean with the chilling elements of serial killer horror. With its impressive cast, the film is set to engage audiences and might just be tonight's talking point among horror aficionados.
As June 6 approaches, moviegoers are gearing up to see if this film will deliver the thrills that they expect from a Sean Byrne creation while expanding the limits of what a shark thriller can be.
Byrne worked hard on this project to elevate the viewer's experience and redefine the genre's narratives. As the anticipation builds, enthusiasts eagerly await to see how Zephyr will navigate her terrifying ordeal on the water and whether she can outsmart her captor.
