Official synopsis: Camargue, France — a region renowned for its traditional bull race, a breathtaking display of agility and mutual respect between man and beast. Amid a world dominated by men, 22-year-old Nejma trains relentlessly to achieve her dream of winning the prestigious annual competition. But when news spreads of a rogue, violent bull on the loose, fear grips the community, threatening everything she has worked for.
Director Emma Benestan’s 2024 French/Belgian/Saudi Arabian coproduction Animale finds its protagonist Nejma (Oulaya Amamra) becoming the first woman bull runner in a dangerous sport in which the runners must try to snatch rosettes worth cash prizes from the horns of bulls. She grew up in a circle of tightly knit families whose fathers — including hers — and sons participate in bull running, so she is confident in handling herself and is supported by most of the men who also participate.
After a night of many of the runners participating in drinking and drugs, Nejma remembers little, though her body shows signs of a possible bull attack — along with other changes that fit into the body horror category that I won’t spoil here. Indeed, there seems to be a rogue bull, and it is killing off members of the bull runners one by one.
Benestan, who cowrote the screenplay with Julie Debiton, has crafted a horror film that addresses toxic masculinity. The film’s ultimate theme is that men use both women and animals as they wish, no matter the level of violence, exploitation, and pain. In the fright-fare department, Animale is a slow burner. Viewers get to know the main characters quite well and are also given time and the opportunity to become sympathetic to the plight of the bulls before the horror begins building more rapidly.
The characterization is strong and the performances are all wonderfully realized, particularly Amamra, who gives a top-notch turn in the starring role. Benestan helms Animale with flair and confidence, and the film boasts striking hypnotic visual sequences and beautiful scenery of the Camargue area, all captured marvelously by Cinematographer Ruben Impens.
Animale screened as part of South Korea’s Jeonju International Film Festival, which ran from April 30–May 9, 2025.
