-Written by Kyle Bain.
Zach (Michael-Eoin Stanney) has just lost his brother–he’s now beginning to question his faith and his overall existence. When he’s approached by someone claiming to be a long-time friend of his late brother, his life begins to change. He’s not sure if his life is going to change for the better or worse; all he can say is “keep the change, Yuh Filthy Animal.”
A clearly low-budget film, one that seems to have not much in terms of financial backing–Yuh Filthy Animal’s production values are high, and that can often be enough to keep a film afloat, even greatly appeal to cinephiles like myself. Yuh Filthy Animal is a great example of a film that uses its values and the expertise of its team to create a film that warrants a view, and is entertaining throughout.
The best example of this is the editing of Jeff Clark Jr. (who is also the writer and director). His ability to develop flawless transitions throughout the course of Yuh Filthy Animal is impeccable–and much of the film is seamless as a result. Additionally, one of my favorite parts of the film is the opening credits. They are smooth, in time with the opening song, and ease viewers into a heavy and emotional story.
As those credits flood the opening scene viewers are subjected to Zach as he sits and stews, dealing with his debilitating reality. I’m harping on the credits, and that might seem weird—but the way in which they are presented to viewers is essential to the film’s overall success. These opening moments are of utmost importance, and I’m not sure it’s possible to accurately express how well it works for Yuh Filthy Animal. It’s one of those things that you can’t describe, but you know it when you see it–and the expertise of Clark Jr. and his team (particularly during the opening credits) is exceptional.
Sometimes it’s the little things, the attention to detail that can make or break a film. The casting of Dan Berkey as Older Zach works so well for the film. With a massive time jump beyond the halfway point of Yuh Filthy Animal, there’s a need for some suspension of disbelief. Regardless of who you are, that can be a challenge. Seeing Berkey, whose face is so similar aesthetically to Stanney’s, helps with that transition in time. That’s one of the small details that I’m talking about. Could they have cast someone else? Sure. Could Yuh Filthy Animal still find success if the aesthetics of the two actors don’t necessarily line up? Of course. But this decision adds to the sophistication of the film, it adds depth and gravitas. This was a brilliant decision, one that is perfect for the film.
Again, Yuh Filthy Animal is a low-budget film that doesn’t appear to have much in terms of financial backing. With that, Writer-Director Clark Jr. surely had some extensive hurdles to clear–but he clearly possesses a level of expertise that allows him to find success and develop a cohesive and touching film. Yuh Filthy Animal is relatively simple, with a concept that surely isn’t new, but it twists it and alters it enough that it feels somewhat original, and with the attention to detail, brilliant editing, and stellar casting decision, Yuh Filthy Animal certainly has the gusto to appeal to cinephiles–but also has the potential to be far reaching as well.
Written & Directed by Jeff Clark Jr.
Starring Michael-Eoin Stanney, Anthony Monzillo, Kelly Grago, Milana Littman, Rei Yamamoto, Dan Berkey, etc.
7.5/10 = WORTH RENTING OR BUYING
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