Dogman Review: A Dark Story of Revenge That Falls Short of Its Potential

Dogman (2023), directed by Luc Besson, presents itself as a psychological revenge story exploring themes of identity, trauma, and belonging. While the film manages to entertain and offers an intriguing central character, it ultimately struggles with slow pacing and uninspired visuals that prevent it from reaching its full potential.

Compared to Besson’s earlier works such as La Femme Nikita or Leon The Professional, this film feels noticeably less impactful. The visual style lacks the energy and creativity that defined his previous projects, leaving the overall impression somewhat flat.

Visual Style and Technical Limitations

One of the film’s weaker aspects is its cinematography and editing. Certain scenes feel oddly lifeless, almost as if they lack the artistic touch expected from a filmmaker of Besson’s reputation. While not outright poor, the visuals often come across as underwhelming and forgettable.

Some of this may be linked to technical choices, but the result is a film that never fully immerses the viewer. Instead of enhancing the story, the visuals sometimes create a sense of distance.

A Story Built on Familiar Tropes

The narrative of Dogman leans heavily on well-known clichés. From eccentric villains to exaggerated character traits, the screenplay rarely takes risks. While these elements may still appeal to some audiences, they make the story feel predictable and lacking originality.

The film also touches on themes like gender identity and psychological trauma, but without deeper exploration. This can make certain portrayals feel surface-level or even unintentionally problematic, especially when compared to more self-aware storytelling seen in other films.

The Inspiration Behind the Main Character

The central figure, Douglas, brings to mind real-life cases such as that of Oxana Malaya, a child raised in extreme neglect who adopted animal-like behavior. While the film appears loosely inspired by such stories, it avoids diving too deeply into their disturbing reality.

Instead, it uses the concept as a narrative foundation for a more stylized revenge-driven plot. This approach keeps the film accessible but also limits its emotional depth.

Strong Performances Elevate the Film

Despite its flaws, Dogman benefits greatly from its cast. Caleb Landry Jones delivers a compelling performance as Douglas, bringing complexity and vulnerability to the character. His portrayal adds depth that the script alone does not always provide.

Supporting performances, including Alexander Settineri, also stand out. The actors consistently elevate the material, making the characters more engaging than they might otherwise be on paper.

The Unique Role of the Dogs

One of the film’s most memorable elements is the relationship between Douglas and the dogs. Their presence adds an emotional layer that contrasts with the darker themes of the story.

This connection feels genuine and heartfelt, offering moments of warmth within an otherwise intense narrative. For many viewers, especially dog lovers, this aspect may be the most impactful part of the film.

Final Thoughts on Dogman

In the end, Dogman (2023) is a film that sits somewhere between engaging and forgettable. It delivers a straightforward revenge story with solid performances but lacks the boldness and originality needed to make it truly stand out.

Fans of Luc Besson may still find value in it, and those looking for a dark character-driven story will likely enjoy parts of the experience. However, for viewers seeking something more daring or visually striking, the film may feel like a missed opportunity.

Interesting Sources: IMDb, Wikipedia, Rotten Tomatoes, Metacritic, Deadline