Animals. (2026)

-Written by Kyle Bain.

When Zoya (Serine Sianosian) attempts to be a good samaritan by inviting a woman into her home, she soon realizes that this woman, Amelia (Rachel Alig), has no intentions of leaving. Animals. follows the two women as a battle of wits and resolve ensues. 

Animals. annoyed the fuck out of me. Even in the early going, nearly every decision that Zoya makes was antagonistic to the audience, and it only grows more infuriating as it progresses. Writer-Director Maya Gray certainly chose to develop her film this way, as she hoped to frustrate viewers and force them to question every move Zoya makes from start to finish. 

Why let a stranger into your home? Why let her spend the night? Animals. is an analysis of the human condition and whether we are innately good or bad. So, Zoya plays the role of goodness, and this aspect of Animals. is incredibly hyperbolic—effectively capturing the flaws of being a good person. On the other hand Amelia plays foil to Zoya’s good as the veritable Devil on the other shoulder. Similarly, Gray writes and directs this character in a way that feels extreme, almost inconceivable. 

With all of that said, I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t enjoy Animals. The film is a spectacular character study, one that immerses you in the story of the aforementioned Zoya. While much of the film is hyperbolic, the symbolism exists and is accessible nonetheless. Viewers are able to easily access the purpose of Gray’s film: to analyze how people operate. The people pleaser is always tasked with making those around them feel welcome and accepted, even if it means sacrificing their own dignity, sanity, or security. On the flip side, however, those that are often considered headstrong are willing and able to take what they want, when they want. These two personalities juxtapose one another in Zoya and Amelia, and it’s up to the viewer to dissect what is presented to them. 

Animals. presents me with a problem when it comes to reviewing it. While I don’t often go out of my way to avoid spoilers, spoiling the specific content of what is seen in this short film would likely ruin the viewing experience for anyone who may have come across them. That alone is a testament to what Gray is able to create. 

Animals. is not for the faint of heart, as it looks to antagonize—but just as much, it looks to force viewers to question the world around them. If you’re planning to watch Animals., buckle up and prepare yourself for something that will linger. At the time of me posting this review it’s been well over a week since I’ve watched Animal., yet the visceral feeling that consumed me as the film concluded still sits with me. Well edited, well acted, and well constructed, Animals. is a powerful narrative that you won’t easily be able to escape. 

Written & Directed by Maya Gray. 

Starring Rachel Alig, Serine Sionosian, Chad Anderson, Geneva Cimone, Jamie Criss, & Peter Kalisch. 

8/10 = WORTH RENTING OR BUYING