MOVIE REVIEW
Dog
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Genre: Thriller, Drama, Short
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 14m
Director(s): Ben Tan
Writer(s): Ben Tan
Cast: Alexis Felix, Nastasia Koulich, Alexander Carstoiu, Emilio Velasquez, Matthew Marcus, Jen Felix, Gerardo Vitale
Where To Watch: premiered at the 2024 American Film Institute

RAVING REVIEW: Ben Tan’s DOG examines the tangled threads of connection against the electrifying backdrop of a rave, exploring the visceral highs and emotional lows of one explosive evening. Summer (Alexis Felix,) only 19, is cast as caretaker for her blind sister, Lex (Nastasia Koulich,) on a night charged with potential for liberation and chaos. The film maps the sisters' journey through a landscape marked by rebellion and the looming specter of adult responsibilities, revealing the strength and fragility of their bond.

Kuba Bojsza's cinematography envelops the narrative in a striking black-and-white palette that intensifies the film's emotional journey. By opting for a constrictive 4:3 aspect ratio, Bojsza amplifies the visual drama and tightens the space around Summer and Lex, mirroring their entrapment within visible and invisible boundaries. This style pulls the viewer close, immersing them in the sisters’ psychological and physical confines as they navigate the night’s unfolding dramas.

The audio elements of DOG are integral to its storytelling. The thudding bass of the rave beats through the plot like a vital pulse, harmonizing with moments of quiet to paint a contrast that mirrors Summer’s internal conflict. Austin Feinstein’s composition weaves these sounds into a rich tapestry that fluctuates between tumult and tranquility, engaging the audience’s emotions on a primal level.

At the heart of DOG is the complex interplay between Summer and Lex. Their relationship, fraught with tension and tenderness, is far from simple sisterly affection. Summer wrestles with her unwanted responsibilities and her thirst for freedom, a conflict that resonates powerfully across the film’s runtime; at just 14 minutes, I can’t help but want more! Felix and Koulich deliver compelling performances that lend authenticity and depth to their roles, elevating the narrative beyond typical sibling rivalries to a poignant exploration of connection under pressure.

A critical moment in DOG is Summer's unexpected encounter with a “stray dog,” a seemingly minor event that precipitates a profound internal reckoning. Director Ben Tan handles this scene subtly, avoiding definitive moral conclusions and offering it as a moment ripe for introspection and interpretation. This pivotal encounter invites viewers to ponder random incidents' more profound ramifications and unforeseen impacts.

DOG distinguishes itself by foregoing a traditional narrative approach in favor of immersing viewers in its characters' experiential reality. The film’s aesthetic, reminiscent of many artistic and even French new-wave style films, underscores its gritty narrative and the raw defiance of its protagonists. It captures the essence of rave culture—vibrant yet shadowed by darkness—as a canvas to explore themes of freedom, accountability, and personal evolution.

As DOG winds to a close, it leaves the audience to reflect on the intricate mosaic of decisions and their consequences. Tan’s direction imbues the film with a sense of thoughtful introspection, urging viewers to question not only the decisions of its characters but also their concepts of liberty and obligation. The stellar performances, astute direction, and meticulous film crew result in an experience that is visually stunning and emotionally compelling.

Ben Tan’s DOG offers a profound look at young adulthood, set against modern society's transient connections and significant epiphanies. The film invites its audience for a sensory-rich expereince, transcending conventional storytelling to delve into the complexities of maturing in an often chaotic world.

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[photo courtesy of PAAR PICTURES]

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