So I saw this movie Dogtooth the other night.

Dogtooth is a Greek film that was released in Greece last November.  My friend posted the trailer somewhere and I was hooked, counting the days till the US release.  The film revolves around a very different family.  The parents keep their children under tight control using a variety of methods.  The children believe the outside world to be a dangerous, filled with evil creatures such as “cats”.  The children are constantly competing for stickers and training for the trials of the outside world.  Some have compared the plot to The Village, I would agree on a very superficial level but would note that Dogtooth is actually GOOD.

A lot has been written about how Dogtooth is disturbing.  Yes there is violence, sometimes involving animals.  There is also really weird sexstuff.  But the most disturbing aspect is the actual plot.  The idea of parents manipulating their children like this is scary shit.  But the film is not just a sadness beatdown, it’s got a lot going on for it.  First off the film is beautiful, really well done stuff.  Second Dogtooth is not without scenes of humor, such as ones when the eldest child gets inspired by classic films and begins to act them out all over the house.  Anyway, I liked it quite a bit, although it isn’t really a movie you want to watch everyday….ya dig?

Dogtooth is out now in Limited release.  To get an idea of the tone check out the trailer below.

- Dr. Dinosaur