American Animal

American Animal

Year: 2012

Runtime: 95 min

Language: English

DramaComedy

A charismatic young man facing a terminal illness finds himself in a bittersweet and humorous conflict with his closest friend. As they confront the realities of a limited time, they navigate the absurdities of life and cherish their final moments together. The film explores themes of friendship, mortality, and the importance of embracing every experience.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen American Animal yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – American Animal (2012)

Explore the full timeline and setting of American Animal (2012). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film does not specify an exact time period, but it captures the zeitgeist of youthful recklessness and ambition in contemporary society. The narrative unfolds in the early 21st century, reflecting modern college culture and the implications of crime amidst evolving technological tracking.

Location

Transylvania University, Amsterdam, New York, California, Philadelphia, Lexington

Transylvania University boasts a historic library rich in rare book collections, including the notable Audubon's Birds of America. The bustling city of Amsterdam serves as a hub for black-market dealings, while New York is home to Christie's auction house, known for its high-stakes art auctions. The film also spans various locations in the United States, including California and Philadelphia, where the characters’ lives evolve post-heist.

📚 Library 🌍 International 🏙️ Urban

Last Updated: December 31, 2024 at 17:38

Main Characters – American Animal (2012)

Meet the key characters of American Animal (2012), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Spencer Reinhard (Brendan Fletcher)

Spencer is an ambitious art student searching for inspiration, often swayed by the thrill of rebellion. His internal conflict about participating in the heist reveals his moral struggles and provides insight into the consequences of peer pressure.

🎨 Art Student 💼 Ambitious 🕵️‍♂️ Insightful

Warren Lipka (Angela Sarafyan)

Warren embodies rebellion and charm, drawing others into his schemes. His risk-taking nature is both magnetic and dangerous, highlighting a character driven by thrill-seeking and later revealing his manipulative tendencies.

🔥 Rebellious 😎 Charismatic 🎭 Manipulative

Eric Borsuk (Mircea Monroe)

Eric serves as the logistics expert in the group, displaying practicality and a sense of responsibility. His loyalty to Warren and the group complicates his character, as he grapples with the consequences of their criminal activities.

📋 Logistician 🤝 Loyal 🎓 Responsible

Chas Allen (Matt D'Elia)

Chas is the getaway driver, embodying a sense of urgency and action as the plan unfolds. His frustration with Spencer showcases the tensions that arise in high-stakes situations and his desire for a clean getaway.

🚗 Driver ⚡ Urgent 🔥 Tension

Last Updated: December 31, 2024 at 17:38

Major Themes – American Animal (2012)

Explore the central themes of American Animal (2012), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎨 Art Theft

The pursuit of art becomes a thrilling yet dangerous endeavor, showcasing the lengths individuals will go to for beauty and value. The characters' obsession with stealing rare books highlights a clash between artistic appreciation and criminal intent, reflecting the dark side of ambition.

🎭 Deception

Deception is a central theme, as characters don disguises to execute their heist, revealing the lengths they will go to mask their true intentions. The betrayal among friends adds layers to their interactions, as trust is manipulated and ultimately leads to their downfall.

💔 Regret

The thieves’ retrospective interviews reveal deep-seated regret for their choices, emphasizing how actions taken in youthful folly can have lasting consequences. Their reflections speak to the importance of honesty and the impact of deception on relationships.

Last Updated: December 31, 2024 at 17:38

Unlock the Full Story of American Animal

Don't stop at just watching — explore American Animal in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what American Animal is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

American Animal Summary

Read a complete plot summary of American Animal, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

American Animal Summary

American Animal Timeline

Track the full timeline of American Animal with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

American Animal Timeline

More About American Animal

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about American Animal: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About American Animal

Similar Movies to American Animal

Discover movies like American Animal that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.