WE THE ANIMALS

SYNOPSIS:
Manny (Isaiah Kristian), Joel (Josiah Gabriel), and Jonah (Evan Rosado) tear their way through childhood and push against the volatile love of their parents. As Manny and Joel grow into versions of their father and Ma dreams of escape, Jonah embraces an imagined world all on his own.

Review by Louise Keller:
A mixed race family and a tough childhood is the focus of documentary filmmaker Jeremiah Zagar's (In a Dream) feature debut. Adapted from Justin Torres' semi-autobiographical novel, the challenging dreamy nature of the book is well realised as the coming of age story plays out. The casting of three young non-professional actors as the siblings who connect and react to their parents' (Raul Castillo, Sheila Vand) volatile relationship works beautifully.

Nothing much happens - the action is mostly internal. We engage with the characters through Jonah (Evan Rosado), the youngest boy, through whose eyes we experience the events. I had a lump in my throat when his mother tells Jonah: 'Promise you you'll stay mine forever'. The tight bond and relationship between the three brothers changes as Jonah becomes the outsider.

Winner of Sundance Next Innovator Award, this potent, reflective film is filled with explosive relationships and indelible bonds. Moving, tough and heartbreaking, this is a film you will not forget.