In this psychological thriller short, writer-director Maya Gray brings to life an emotionally thought-provoking and sinister exploration into manipulation and control in Animals (2026). Making its international premiere at Raindance Film Festival 2026 under the ‘Gone Astray’ Shorts Programme, Animals is backed by award-winning producer Michael Jasper.
Quietly contemplating life, Zoya (Serine Sianosian) feels heartache and emptiness after her mother passes away. She finds herself left to own device in the house they once shared together. Until one day, boisterous stranger, Amelia (Rachel Alig) demands her right to the house having rented through Airbnb, unknowingly to Zoya.
Animals: A Story Grounded In Reality
Out of kindness, Zoya invites her to stay just for one night. But this eventually turns into days on end. What follows is her gradual takeover. Rachel Alig plays Amelia with sinister intensity. She quite literally becomes an ‘animal.’ From disregarding Zoya’s mental health and presence to wreaking havoc in the kitchen. Whatever once belonged to Zoya now belongs to Amelia. This takeover is heartbreaking to watch as the audience feel like helpless bystanders who can’t just reach through the screen and intervene.
However, Gray excellently grounds Zoya’s story in reality. There’s no shying away from the real injustices here. Amelia breaks Zoya down further after taking advantage of her fragile emotional state. This speaks on the real-world issues of today. Animals runs as a social commentary on grief, abuse, and isolation. It makes us question if we can do more to recognise each other’s feelings. Gray utilises the setting extremely well and curates this feeling of claustrophobia where Zoya feels like a burden – trapped there forever. Dark lighting encapsulates Zoya in a place she is no longer able to call home.
Manipulating The Frame
Early in the film there’s a shot where Zoya is initially framed as the sinister character lurking in the shadows as she watches Amelia rifle through the fridge. But it’s all in how the audience sees these characters which manipulates the frame. Zoya may be seen as sinister but actually, she’s unable to find her voice and speak her concerns. Amelia in return treats Zoya as her ‘animal’ who she can manipulate and control. Sometimes the abuse of authority is so overwhelming that happy endings are just not possible. This is what makes Animals feel like a real story and this could happen to anyone.
But if someone had just looked out for Zoya in the first place the situation wouldn’t have spiralled out of control. Gray forms an emotionally intense psychological thriller-horror which powerfully speaks on how society could open their eyes and look out for each other if we just cared a little more. Zoya’s story would have undoubtedly received a different ending had there been people looking out for her. Animals make us reflect and question – who’s looking out for you? And are we doing enough as a society to make sure we feel emotionally connected to one another?
Animals is part of Filmotomy’s coverage on Raindance Film Festival 2026.
You can read more Raindance reviews, including A Girl Called Alice here.
