Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom is an intriguing American drama television series that first premiered on TNT on June 14, 2016. The show is based on the 2010 Australian film of the same name by David Michôd, who is executive producer on the series, alongside Liz Watts who also produced the movie. A hugely gripping series ensues over the course of its five seasons, teeming with intense family dynamics, criminal undertakings and a variety of complex emotional subtexts.

The series features a stellar ensemble cast led by the accomplished actress, Ellen Barkin, who vividly portrays the street-smart and sharp-tongued character, Janine 'Smurf' Cody, serving as the matriarch of a crime family based in Southern California. Barkin’s stellar portrayal of her character truly sets the pace and tone for the show. Scott Speedman, Shawn Hatosy, Ben Robson, and Jake Weary are Smurf's hardened, tough-as-nails sons involved in the family's illicit business, each playing their role with unabashed realism and intensity.

Animal Kingdom takes an in-depth look into the Cody household and its criminal operations, using that as a backdrop to deeply explore the individual dynamics of each family member. Finn Cole plays Joshua 'J' Cody who, with a tragic turn of events, goes to live with his estranged grandmother and her criminal sons. His character provides a fresh perspective, allowing viewers to learn about this unconventional family through an outsider-turned-insider viewpoint.

One of the characteristic traits of the show is the raw and gritty ambiance that sets the mood. It's an often dark and nerve-wracking universe where loyalties are constantly tested, family bonds are twisted beyond recognition, and lurking dangers threaten to disrupt their lives with fatal consequences.

The series isn’t only about edgy thrillers and heart-pounding moments. The emotionally charged performances of the cast bring out the insecurities, fears, love, betrayals, and resentment among the characters. There's a fascinating exploration of the psychology and interpersonal dynamics of the family members, making the viewers feel almost like voyeuristic participants in the drama.

Scott Speedman, as Baz, the adopted but favored son, brilliantly captures the duality of his circumstances. Shawn Hatosy plays Pope, the oldest and most volatile of Smurf's sons, embodying a character that oscillates between menace and vulnerability. Ben Robson portrays the rough and loyal Craig, while Jake Weary is Deran, the youngest of the sons, grappling with his sexual identity within his macho surroundings.

Later additions to the cast like Denis Leary, Dichen Lachman, and Carolina Guerra further elevate the storyline, adding more subplot twists and layers to the character development within this criminal circus.

Animal Kingdom also does a commendable job in pushing the boundaries of how a crime-drama series is typically presented. Cinematically, it’s intense and atmospheric, with the sunny, beach-laden backdrop of Southern California serving as an ironic counter to the dark criminal underbelly it chronicles. The show is nerve-racking and compelling, laden with nail-biting suspense, exquisite character studies, and accompanied by a fantastic soundtrack perfectly tailored to each scene.

In the realm of television, Animal Kingdom has managed to pave its own unique and distinguishable path. With a blend of adrenaline-fueled criminal escapades and dysfunctional family drama, it delivers a truly riveting watch. Each episode unravels more about this unconventional family and its code of survival—resilience, loyalty, deception, and the inevitable crossroads where they clash.

By dealing in themes of power dynamics, a corrupt sense of togetherness, and incredibly complex relationships, Animal Kingdom is an immersive experience that explores numerous shades of morality. The series builds its narrative through a series of tension-filled crescendos to deliver dramatic flare-ups that leave the audience constantly on edge.

In conclusion, TNT's Animal Kingdom subverts the genre of a family drama by seamlessly blending it in with a crime saga, yielding a compelling series that pushes the envelope of storytelling while providing an exhilarating viewing experience. It is captivating, revved with engines of suspense, complex characters, and an exploration of relationships within a distinctly flawed family unit, ensuring it holds the audience’s attention from the start to the finish.