Animals is a 2021 psychological thriller film directed by Nabil Ben Yadir. It stars Soufiane Chilah and was written by Antoine Cuypers and Ben Yadir, who also produced alongside Benoit Roland. The film is based on the 2012 murder of gay man Ihsane Jarfi in Liège. The murder was denounced as a hate crime and became the first case of homophobic violence recognized by law in Belgium.
It was screened at the Film Fest Ghent on 13 October 2021, where it competed for the Grand Prix. At the 12th Magritte Awards, Animals received six nominations, including Best Film and Best Director for Ben Yadir.
Cast
Soufiane Chilah as Brahim
Gianni Guettaf as Loïc
Vincent Overath as Geoffroy
Lionel Maisin as Christophe
Serkan Sancak as Milos
Critical reception
Animals received polarized reviews from film critics, with praise towards Soufiane Chilah's performance and Frank van den Eeden's cinematography, but criticism towards its graphic portrayal of violence and crime.