Domestic Animals

Domestic Animals is a film that delves into the pervasive and painful issue of domestic violence. Conceived as a 'reversed' fable with an ambiguous moral, the film aims to illuminate the hidden experiences of individuals enduring physical, sexual, psychological, or verbal abuse from an intimate partner.

Traditionally viewed as a private matter, frequently silenced under the excuse of privacy or intimacy, domestic violence has been allowed to persist perpetuating entrenched beliefs about what constitutes acceptable behavior. Through the perspective of a curious cat, we attempt to mirror these societal attitudes in a character that observes without understanding, witnesses without reporting, unaware, choice-less, and silent. Would its silence imply approval?

The film's core storyline draws inspiration from Sandy Siquier's anthology, Apron Tales—a powerful collection of short stories that delve into this complex and poignant issue shining a light on the hidden and nuanced dynamics of domestic violence, provoking thought and fostering empathy.

With the understanding that everything on the screen becomes symbolic, the film's polished visual strategy presents a flawless facade that contrasts with the raw and unfiltered acting style. This contrast charges the images with contradictions that reinforce the theme and ultimately reveal the story. The mise-en-scène gradually draws the characters closer, making their collision inevitable. Subtle glances, measured breaths, concealed gestures, and minimal dialogue unveil the passive-aggressive power dynamics at play. These interactions expose the characters as both partners and rivals, locked in a cycle of inflicting harm and diminishing each other's worth.

Each year, countless victims remain silent, isolated, and afraid. Domestic Animals is an opportunity to catch a glimpse of the world behind close doors and an invitation to reflect on this profound social and public health issue.