‘Animal Kingdom’: Unravelling the True Story behind the Crime Family That Inspired the Hit Show
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The popular TV series ‘Animal Kingdom’ has captivated audiences with its intense portrayal of a crime family’s underworld activities. But is this gripping drama truly based on real-life events? Let’s delve into the fascinating story behind the inspiration for the show and the notorious family that sparked its creation.
The TNT series ‘Animal Kingdom’ was loosely inspired by the Pettingill crime family in Australia, known for their involvement in a wide range of criminal activities, including a shocking incident where two police officers were fatally shot in 1988. This real-life crime saga served as the foundation for the 2010 film ‘Animal Kingdom,’ which later paved the way for the TV series.
The Codys, the fictional family at the centre of the show, mirror the notorious Pettingills in their ruthless operations and dangerous lifestyle. The character of Janine “Smurf” Cody, portrayed by Ellen Barkin, reigns as the matriarch orchestrating the criminal enterprise that sustains the family’s lavish existence. The young Joshua “J” Cody, played by Finn Cole, finds himself drawn into this treacherous world following the demise of his mother.
Although the series concluded in 2022, the recent inclusion of ‘Animal Kingdom’ on Netflix has sparked a resurgence in its popularity among viewers. The show’s evolution from a film to a multi-season television series has cemented its status as a gripping crime drama that continues to intrigue audiences worldwide.
While ‘Animal Kingdom’ is a work of fiction, its roots lie in the real-life events surrounding the Pettingill family in Melbourne, Australia. The infamous 1988 Walsh Street police shooting, a pivotal moment in the family’s history, served as a primary inspiration for the film adaptation. This tragic incident, where two officers were ambushed and killed, sent shockwaves through the community and became a focal point of the storyline.
The investigation following the Walsh Street shootings marked one of the longest-running cases in Australian criminal history, culminating in the trial of four individuals. Among them were Victor Peirce and Trevor Pettingill, the sons of Kathleen “Kath” Pettingill, a prominent figure within Melbourne’s criminal underworld during the ’70s and ’80s.
Kath Pettingill, the formidable matriarch of the Pettingill clan, established a reputation as a ruthless and influential figure in Melbourne’s criminal landscape. With a total of 10 children, each embroiled in various criminal activities, she presided over a complex web of illicit enterprises that propelled her family into notoriety.
The Pettingill offspring, including figures like Dennis Bruce Allen and Peter John Allen, have left a dark legacy of crime and violence. From drug trafficking to armed robbery, their criminal record spans a wide spectrum of illegal activities, making them a formidable force in Australia’s criminal history.
Following the tumultuous events that defined their family’s trajectory, members of the Pettingill clan have faced varying fates. With some incarcerated, others in witness protection, and a few deceased, the legacy of the Pettingills endures as a stark reminder of the criminal underworld’s shadowy allure.
In the aftermath of the ‘Animal Kingdom’ adaptation’s release, Kathleen Pettingill voiced her disapproval of the portrayal of her family in the film. Disputing the characterisation of ‘Smurf’ in the series, Kath highlighted the discrepancies between the on-screen depiction and her real-life persona, emphasising the complexities of their shared history.
As the legacy of the Pettingill crime family continues to fascinate audiences, ‘Animal Kingdom’ stands as a testament to their enduring impact on popular culture. Through its gripping narrative and nuanced characters, the show offers a compelling glimpse into the tumultuous world of crime and family dynamics, blurring the lines between fiction and reality.
In conclusion, the intertwining of fact and fiction in ‘Animal Kingdom’ lends a captivating edge to the series, drawing inspiration from the gritty realities of the Pettingill family’s criminal saga. As viewers immerse themselves in the on-screen portrayal of this infamous clan, the echoes of truth and fiction resonate, offering a compelling exploration of the dark underbelly of organised crime.