Sleeping in their dilapidated car or seedy Chicago motel rooms, they survive by shoplifting and committing low-level scams to scrounge up enough cash to stay one step ahead of their debilitating addiction.

Her initial plan is to wait for Jude to be released from the hospital so that they can be reunited, but Albert's earlier suggestion for Bobbie to call her mother for help eventually convinces her to do that instead.

The website's critical consensus reads, "Animals' drug-fueled storyline is undeniably grim, but its sensitive approach to its difficult themes -- and its talented cast -- make watching it well worth the discomfort.

[2] Joe Leydon of Variety wrote, "Dastmalchian and Shaw are thoroughly convincing both as vividly drawn, emotionally complex individuals, and as a couple inextricably bound by addiction and enabling.

"[3] Steve Dollar of The Wall Street Journal wrote, "Director Collin Schiffli keeps a tight focus on character, as the couple's plight becomes increasingly dire.