Watch The Animal Kingdom

The 1932 film, The Animal Kingdom, is a romantic comedy-drama that comes with a frank and upfront approach to sex, marriage, and the perils of playing the field. Directed by Edward H. Griffith, the movie blends elements of comedy, drama, and romance to create a compelling storytelling experience. Starring Ann Harding, Leslie Howard, and Myrna Loy, the film deals with a love triangle between its chief protagonists.

Tom Collier (Leslie Howard) is a well-known womanizer who runs a media conglomerate while hiding his romantic flings from the public eye. Jack (William Gargan), a loyal employee of Tom, is seemingly in love with his boss's secretary, Alice (Myrna Loy). However, she secretly has a thing for Tom, who is smitten by Cecelia (Ann Harding), an elegant poet who leads a life of abject poverty. As the story unfolds, Tom and Cecelia fall in love, and Alice starts resenting Tom for his blurred romantic lines.

Things take a drastic turn when Tom's poor health leads him to a revelation of his repressed feelings about Cecelia, thereby revealing his true affection towards her. Cecelia, at first, is hesitant and has trouble accepting Tom's proposal since she comes from a different background. Meanwhile, Alice's unrequited love continues to haunt her. The film explores the various romantic angles within the story while also exposing the decadence and moral decay of high society.

The performances of the central cast are magnetic, with Ann Harding's Cecelia standing out as a complex and nuanced character. Leslie Howard's portrayal of a man with a playboy lifestyle aids in making his character somewhat charming yet completely flawed. Myrna Loy is also noteworthy for her strong screen presence and ability to convey nuanced emotions effortlessly. She portrays Alice as someone who wants to be loved deeply but has to choose between the safety of what she knows and taking a risk on love.

Furthermore, the cinematography and set design are exceptional, with the film's depiction of high society being immaculate. The production value and costuming are praiseworthy and accurately reflect the extravagances of the era. The swift camera movements add to the film's immersive experience, and the film's pacing is never monotonous or dull.

In conclusion, The Animal Kingdom is a romantic comedy-drama that holds up remarkably well even after almost a century since its release. Its exploration of the concept of love in the face of societal pressures and the mortal nature of humans is profound, and the performances by the central cast are exceptional. Director Edward H. Griffith perfectly blends different genres while creating an immersive experience for the audience through the film's technical aspects.