About Cryptozoo

Released in 2021, "Cryptozoo" is an American adult animated drama and fantasy film directed by Dash Shaw. This animated marvel is a fantastical journey into painstakingly hand-drawn myth where magical, mythical creatures live hidden among us and there's a special zoo that serves as a sanctuary for them.

The film opens with a shocking incident of two lovers stumbling across a sleeping unicorn which sets the whole plot in motion. The core story revolves around the passionate commitments of zookeeper Lauren Grey to protect these magical creatures in the face of socioeconomic pressures.

Making / Production

The animated feature "Cryptozoo" was written and directed by Dash Shaw, whose earlier works include the equally fantastic "My Entire High School Sinking Into the Sea". Jay Keitel served as cinematographer, while the animation was a painstaking effort led by animation director Jane Samborski.

Actors

• Lake Bell as Lauren Grey - Bell brought intense depth and emotion to the role of the determined cryptozookeeper Lauren Grey.
• Michael Cera as Matthew - Cera delivered a charming and memorable performance as Matthew, who is drawn into the realm of cryptids.
• Zoe Kazan as Phoebe, Matthew's fiance - Kazan provided a heart-touching portrayal of a woman suddenly thrown into a world beyond comprehension.
• Peter Stormare as Gustav - Stormare's voiceover for Gustav provided a powerful pathos to the character.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• “Cryptozoo” premiered at Sundance Film Festival in 2021.
• The film earned Dash Shaw a nomination for the Grand Jury Prize at the festival.
• All the artwork in the film is hand-drawn, giving it a unique aesthetic feel.

Awards

"Cryptozoo" did not win any awards but it was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival in 2021.

Quotes

• “Sometimes I think that humanity is a plague, that should be wiped out.” – Lauren Grey
• “Do you believe in a hidden world?” – Matthew
• “This is what we made. Isn't it beautiful?” – Gustav

Music, Soundtrack

• "Into the Cryptozoo" – Composed by John Carroll Kirby, this music forms a significant part of the movie's soundtrack.
• "Creature Features" – This song accompanies some of the more intense sequences in the movie.
• "Sanctuary Showdown" – The climactic soundtrack of the movie, providing a powerful score for the conclusion.