I'm very sensitive to animal cruelty in film (in general, but it's a hard pass from me if it's unsimulated), and I don't remember thinking the death of the badger was real, but I also don't remember that part super well.
Okay, out of love I just rewatched the badger scene at half speed. Right before the car hits the animal, there is a noticable cut/jump. The car is clearly going by (but very close to!) the animal. Then it's an obviously stiff/fake animal and it's suddenly fully under the front tire, even though we just watched the front tire pass the real animal.
I think it's fake, though I do not approve of the stunt even if it is!
Okay, out of love I just rewatched the badger scene at half speed. Right before the car hits the animal, there is a noticable cut/jump. The car is clearly going by (but very close to!) the animal. Then it's an obviously stiff/fake animal and it's suddenly fully under the front tire, even though we just watched the front tire pass the real animal.
I think it's fake, though I do not approve of the stunt even if it is!