Fest Track On Sirk TV Film Review: DOG OF GOD [Tribeca Film Festival 2025 - New York, NY]

The concept of "Dog Of God" [Escape From Tribeca] wants to be a mix of "Heavy Metal" and various other contexts of Dark Age animation. Some animations do better walking the line. While the rotoscoping aspect here has been seen in a variety of animted features over the years...some better than others...it all depends on the content. This story is fueled by a progression of perceptions of sexual dysfunction and a resulting sado-masachism. The story is fueled by a demon of sorts who might also be a werewolf though we never quite see him masquerading as one. He approaches a town (though no reason is given) that bathes itself as being pious but literally as a means of control begins with the dirty goings on in a tavern. Here, the resident alchemist (read witch) tries to help people in her own way but sees the aspect of treachery and downfall coming. The Baron who rules the town is obsessed by his ED because he needs an heir. However that baseline is the furthest thing from his mind as compared to the desires he manifests. The imagery reflects this until a resolute blob representing something in the point of virility offers a solution.

However like many societies, the aristocracy is wasting their time on their own pleasure as their subjects fall to the plague. Eventually of course everything collapses but it depends what (and who) is left standing, The monk of sorts serving a pastor who has his own base needs is the one most open to perspective because he is the most gullible. Even though the Baron seems to have a reason for ruling, it is not a very good one. Eventually the Dog gets loose. The disassembly of eyes and decaying views of the burning landscape create an interesting canvas for sure and the rotoscope allows for the dark pitts of shadow, especially with the demon, to really work. Obviously the movie paints to its own Midnight quality which could make for interesting college viewing. THe final imagery actually speaks to something actually much more interesting in a meldiing of sorts of the two strongest character. It brings to mind the Keymaster and the Gatekeeper (check the reference) because those two bringing their sense of order to the world makes more sense in a "Legend" sort of way while "Dog Of God" (despite the work taken to make it) feels more like a prelude. C+

By Tim Wassberg