Netflix has discreetly expanded its UK catalogue with the addition of the critically acclaimed crime drama Animal Kingdom, a series that some viewers are boldly claiming surpasses even the beloved BBC period drama Peaky Blinders in intensity and quality. Originally inspired by the notorious criminal activities of the Pettingill family in Melbourne, Australia, this gripping narrative has evolved from a celebrated film into a multi-season television phenomenon.
From Australian Film to American Television Adaptation
The story began in 2010 with the release of the film Animal Kingdom, which drew inspiration from several high-profile crimes allegedly linked to the Pettingill family, including the infamous 1988 murders of two police officers. Starring a stellar cast including Ben Mendelsohn, Joel Edgerton, and Guy Pearce, the movie premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, where it won the World Cinema Jury Prize, and went on to achieve both critical and commercial success. Jacki Weaver earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, and the film holds an impressive 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising its confident pacing, smart script, and top-notch performances as a highlight of Australian cinema.
A Television Series That Roars with Dark Promise
Six years after the film's release, a television series of the same name debuted, this time set in Oceanside, California. Running for 75 episodes across six seasons, the show follows teenager Joshua 'J' Cody, played by Finn Cole, as he moves in with his estranged relatives after his mother's death, only to discover they run a sophisticated criminal enterprise overseen by matriarch Janine 'Smurf' Cody, portrayed by Ellen Barkin. The series has been warmly received, with Rotten Tomatoes describing it as 'a darkly intriguing, twisted family drama'.
Reviews from major publications have echoed this sentiment. The Detroit News noted that 'as gritty, dysfunctional family, crime-fuelled dramas go, Animal Kingdom roars with dark promise', while TV Line called it 'freakin' terrific – dark, funny, exciting, smartly written and beautifully acted'. The Boston Globe added that the adaptation is 'remarkably confident from the start', with natural storytelling, effective hand-held camerawork, and excellent acting.
Viewer Reactions and Comparisons to Peaky Blinders
Since its addition to Netflix UK this week, the series has sparked enthusiastic discussions on platforms like Reddit, where many users have hailed it as a hidden gem. One viewer, FineJellyfish4321, shared, 'I always recommend it and a lot of people don't even know about it. I didn't until last year but once I started, I was absolutely hooked! That is hands down one of the best shows I've ever seen!' Another user, jwC731, described it as 'highly underrated', while slardybartfast8 made the bold declaration that 'Animal Kingdom blows Peaky Blinders out of the water'.
The comparison to Peaky Blinders is further fueled by the involvement of actor Finn Cole, who starred in both series, playing Michael Grey in the BBC drama from 2014 to 2022. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly ahead of the first season's premiere, co-star Scott Speedman discussed the adaptation's shift to California, explaining that while the cast was aware of the original film, the new setting in a blue-collar beach town changed the entire dynamic, making it a brilliant and juxtaposed backdrop for the criminal storyline.
Real-Life Inspirations and Cultural Impact
The Pettingill family, led by matriarch Kath Pettingill, was deeply involved in the Melbourne gangland killings, and their exploits have been depicted in various films and TV shows, including Underbelly, Killing Time, and Drug Lords. This real-world connection adds a layer of authenticity and grit to Animal Kingdom, enhancing its appeal as a crime drama rooted in historical events.
With its compelling narrative, strong performances, and dark, family-driven themes, Animal Kingdom offers UK viewers a fresh and intense addition to Netflix's crime genre lineup. As it streams now, audiences have the opportunity to discover why this series has garnered such passionate praise and comparisons to one of television's most iconic crime dramas.
