Animal

The season is about to begin on a Greek holiday island. Led by the charismatic Kalia, the amateur dancers of an all-inclusive hotel are learning new moves. The setting, however, is far from luxurious. The seedy shows are performed to a lower-class audience in a shabby mid-range hotel.

A new dancer in the group, 17-year-old Eva, thrusts Kalia into a crisis. Eva has also left home young and is now discovering the hedonistic joys of performing and partying. Kalia’s past is reflected in a 10-year-old girl taking her first steps in the limelight. Dark yet warm-hearted in tone, Animal paints a portrait of an amateur dancer’s life through these characters: from a little girl seeking attention by performing, to a young woman’s escapism, to an adult struggling with alcoholism and self-hatred. The documentary style, at times nearly body horror-esque, adds welcomed layers to the popular resort-genre (e.g., White Lotus, How to Have Sex) that critically examines Western holiday culture.

Saara Tuusa

On 27 August, the screening at Kino Tapiola is an age-restricted alcohol serving screening for individuals aged 18 and above.

Note! The film contains scenes with intense flashing lights that may be disturbing to viewers sensitive to light.