Here's why you should see the 'truly American story' ofWe the Animals

As Ma, Vand tackles severe depression, while Castillo portrays the abusive yet charismatic father Paps.

Together, they struggle to raise their youngest son, Jonah, who begins secretly exploring his queer identity.

[Its] a truly American story.

Cinereach

Read on for a few other reasons as to whyWe the Animalsis a film worth seeing.

Its intimate cast

First-time child actors flank Vand and Castillo as the three bonded brothers.

Zagar says they embraced their cinematic debuts and naturally exuded their characters personas.

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You just had to point the camera at them, and they did it, Zagar said.

Castillo plays an assaulting yet beloved father, struggling to keep a job and his marriage.

Abuse doesnt spring from the devil or from rage.

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It springs from the way we raise each other, Zagar says.

Zagar didnt want to wax morally in his depiction of Pas dichotomous personality.

Hes simply highlighting the experience of an everyday father, brother and, even sometimes, lead actor.

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I know guys like this, Castillo says of his character.

I grew up guys like this, and I am a guy like this at times.

Ma takes the brunt of her husbands verbal and occasionally physical abuse.

Often tucked between the bedsprings and his mattress, Jonahs beloved notebook is a secretive presence in the film.

She credits Zagar with cementing a clear vision before cameras rolled.

Its an intersectionalqueer film

Zagar wroteWe the Animalsalongside Daniel Kitrosser, an openly gay screenwriter.

Jonah awakens to life beyond childhood tranquility where trauma and connection are as equally muddied as his burgeoning sexuality.

With conversations arising about the responsibility of straight actors taking on queer roles, Castillo is finding himself self-reflecting.

As forWe the Animals, both Castillo and Vand feel they got this one right.