Dogman
Directed by Luc Besson
- action
- drama
- crime
The story
A boy, bruised by life, finds his salvation through the love of his dogs.
What it’s like
Saturated, theatrical colour sets the tone: neon-lit nightclub stages glowing pink and blue, warm lamplight in a cluttered home full of dogs, and cold, grimy greys in the flashbacks to a childhood spent in a cage. Caleb Landry Jones carries much of the film in a fierce, fragile performance, and the drag numbers, sung to chanson-style standards, give the soundtrack a theatrical lift that cuts against the heavier material. The rhythm is uneven by design, moving between quiet, tender scenes with animals and sharp bursts of crime and violence, with some brutal fights and shootings and abuse shown in harsh, unflinching detail. Dread and cruelty are present throughout, but the emotional core is gentle: a damaged man slowly finding warmth and kinship in unconditional affection. It suits a late night alone, or anyone drawn to melancholy, stylised cinema about survival and self-invention. It is not a gentle watch: expect graphic violence, abusive imagery, and the distress of a traumatised child.
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