1. It is one of those films that is best enjoyed when watched without knowing anything about it. So writing anything about the film without spoiling it, is hard, hence the short length of the review and
2. Even weeks after having watched the film, I still am unsure how I feel about it. There are parts of the film that I absolutely love and parts that I hate.
Written and directed by Giorgos Lanthimos, Dogtooth is an incredibly innovative and unique film, especially its premise. The film has so many new ideas and unique concepts that it is hard not to recommend the film just for its originality. But the biggest flaw of the film is that these ideas are all there is to the film, they don't go anywhere or add much to the story or the characters in any way. There are many critics who have written about the symbolic and metaphorical meaning of the film and there is some truth to it but for the average moviegoer (me and probably you),with several of the mysteries being unresolved, watching the film can be, at times, a frustrating experience. Another problem with the film is it's humour. The film clearly aims to be a satire but it is a bit too unpleasant at times to make you laugh.
The film is undoubtedly well made. There are scenes in the film that, in the hands of a lesser director, would seem too exploitative but Giorgos does a fantastic job handling them. His restrained style fits the film perfectly, increasing the impact of some of the scenes. The acting is uniformly excellent and the actors need to be commended as they are put in some incredibly cruel and humiliating positions. Now, a word of caution to some of the more sensitive viewers - the film contains extremely graphic scenes of sex (some of it is real) and violence. If you get easily offended by that, don't watch the film.
Dogtooth is one of those films that you will either love or hate. If you are willing to accept the lack of answers to the mysteries (which is completely intentional) in the film and watch it as a metaphor for loss of innocence and isolation in our modern society, you might enjoy it. If not, you probably are going to hate it.
RATING :
★★★★★★☆☆☆☆