Interview by Paul Salfen
In the sun-drenched waters of Australia’s Gold Coast, a new breed of horror is set to make waves with Dangerous Animals, a survival thriller that premiered at the Cannes Film Festival’s Directors’ Fortnight on May 17, 2025, and hits theaters on June 6, 2025, in the U.S. and June 12, 2025, in Australia. Directed by acclaimed Australian filmmaker Sean Byrne (The Loved Ones, The Devil’s Candy), this film blends the terror of a serial killer narrative with the primal fear of shark-infested waters, creating a pulse-pounding experience that’s as brutal as it is captivating. Leading the charge are rising stars Hassie Harrison and Josh Heuston, whose electric chemistry and gripping performances anchor this ferocious tale of survival.
A Tale of Terror on the High Seas
Dangerous Animals follows Zephyr (Hassie Harrison), a free-spirited American surfer living out of her van in Australia, whose carefree existence takes a dark turn when she’s abducted by Tucker (Jai Courtney), a shark-obsessed serial killer. Held captive on his boat, Zephyr must outwit her captor before he carries out a gruesome ritualistic feeding to the sharks circling below. Her only hope lies with Moses (Josh Heuston), a charming real estate agent with whom she shares a fleeting romantic connection. When Zephyr goes missing, Moses takes it upon himself to track her down, only to find himself entangled in Tucker’s sadistic game.
The film, written by Nick Lepard, is a bold fusion of serial killer horror and shark thriller, drawing comparisons to Jawsand Wolf Creek while carving its own niche in the genre. With a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes and an R rating for its intense violence, Dangerous Animals delivers a relentless, blood-soaked ride that’s both visually stunning and emotionally charged.
Hassie Harrison: A Scream Queen in the Making
Hassie Harrison, known for her roles as Laramie in Yellowstone and her work in Tacoma FD, steps into the spotlight as Zephyr, a tough-as-nails surfer with a tragic past. Harrison’s performance has been hailed as a career-defining turn, with critics praising her ability to imbue Zephyr with grit, vulnerability, and resourcefulness. “As Zephyr, she delivers her best performance yet, finding grit and flashes of humor in a character that could’ve easily been a thin genre archetype,” notes Loud And Clear Reviews. Her portrayal elevates Zephyr beyond the typical “final girl,” crafting a complex character who fights for survival while grappling with her own emotional barriers.
Harrison has spoken about the physical and emotional demands of the role, particularly the challenge of filming in open water. “You want to be In the ocean for an hour, two hours — imagine a 12-hour day in the ocean. It gets pruny,” she told TheWrap with a laugh. Her commitment to the role, coupled with her natural charisma, has positioned her as a standout in the horror genre, with reviewers calling her a “classic Scream Queen” who commands the screen.
Josh Heuston: From Heartthrob to Hero
Opposite Harrison, Josh Heuston (Heartbreak High, Dune: Prophecy) brings depth to Moses, a character who evolves from a charming, easy-going love interest to a determined hero. Heuston’s performance has been lauded for its authenticity and emotional resonance, particularly in his chemistry with Harrison. “This speaks to the chemistry between Heuston and Harrison, who are electric together,” writes Josh at the Movies. Their connection, though briefly glimpsed, forms the emotional backbone of the film, making Zephyr’s plight and Moses’ quest to save her all the more compelling.
Heuston, a rising star in Australian cinema, has expressed pride in representing his home country on an international stage. “I’m a big advocate for Australian film and television, so to get that opportunity to put it on the world’s stage is incredible,” he shared with TheWrap. His performance in Dangerous Animals showcases his versatility, blending charm, vulnerability, and determination in a role that transcends the typical horror movie eye candy.
A Ferocious Villain and a Stellar Supporting Cast
Jai Courtney (Suicide Squad, American Primeval) steals scenes as the unhinged Tucker, a serial killer whose gleeful mania and chilling obsession with sharks make him a formidable antagonist. Critics have singled out Courtney as a highlight, with Next Best Picture noting, “Jai Courtney is having a blast as a sicko villain.” His performance adds a layer of unpredictable menace, elevating the film’s tension as he toys with his captives.
