Independent filmmakers Mark and Jay Duplass (Cyrus, The Skeleton Twins, The Mindy Project) are tossing their mumblecore style into the animated ring with Animals, which is set to premiere its first two episodes at Sundance this coming Monday, January 26 at 12pm.

Animals deals with “the downtrodden creatures native to Earth’s least habitable environment: New York City. Whether it’s lovelorn rats, gender-questioning pigeons, or aging bedbugs in the midst of a mid-life crisis, the awkward small talk, moral ambiguity, and existential woes of non-human urbanites prove startlingly similar to our own.” Sundance has had its share of animated hits in the past (Ernest And Celestine for one), so it’s possible this series can cross over to fans of comedies that are of a more ribald and unconventional tone.

The Duplass Brothers executive produced this lo-fi, privately financed animated series along with creators Phil Matarese and Mike Luciano. Taking a page from the indie film world from which they sprang, they’ve decided to eschew the standard approach of making an animated episodic series. With no big studio money on the line, they’re free to chart whatever strange, storytelling course they choose.  Think Louie…but with pigeons.

Check out an older trailer for the series below. But be aware, there is some graphic scenery, which is not for everyone.

For more information about Animals, visit the series’ website and blog.

Are you interested in seeing Animals?

Edited by: Morgan Stradling