Is Zoo Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Zoo is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Family movies.
It features a runtime of 96 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Zoo Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2018, Zoo emerges as a significant entry in the Family, War, History domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Young Tom and his misfit friends fight to save 'Buster' the baby elephant during the German air raid bombings of Belfast in 1941. Unlike standard genre fare, Zoo attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Family is often anchored by its ensemble, and Zoo features a noteworthy lineup led by Art Parkinson . Supported by the likes of Emily Flain and Toby Jones , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Zoo (2018) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.7/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Zoo Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Zoo is a Family, War, History film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Zoo Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Zoo concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to family resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the family themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Zoo reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Zoo Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Zoo draws heavily from documented historical records. As a family, war, history film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, with attention to period detail and historical context.
Accuracy Assessment: Zoo adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Zoo?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Family films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Zoo Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $4.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $231.7K |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Zoo Budget
The estimated production budget for Zoo is $4.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of Zoo
- Art Parkinson – Tom Hall
- Emily Flain – Jane Berry
- Toby Jones – Security Guard Charlie
- Ian O'Reilly – Pete
- Ian McElhinney – Mr. Shawcross
Top Highlights
Art ParkinsonTom Hall
Emily FlainJane Berry
Toby JonesSecurity Guard Charlie
Ian O'ReillyPete
Ian McElhinneyMr. Shawcross
Penelope WiltonDenise Austin
James StockdaleMickey
Damian O'HareGeorge Hall
Amy HubermanEmily Hall
Stephen HaganJake
Where to Watch Zoo Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Apple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeParents Guide & Age Rating
Zoo is rated PG. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences. It is generally suitable for all ages.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.7/10, and global collection metrics, Zoo stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2018 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zoo movie hit or flop?
Zoo has received mixed reviews with a 6.7/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Zoo worth watching?
Zoo is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Family, War, History movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Zoo online?
Zoo may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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How Zoo Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Zoo
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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
