Dogtooth
Plot
In the visually striking and unsettling film "Dogtooth," director Yorgos Lanthimos presents a world where reality is distorted, and the boundaries between innocence and depravity are blurred. Set on an isolated country estate, three teenagers, Christina, Bello, and Boy, are confined to this self-contained environment, which is reminiscent of a futuristic dystopia. The film's protagonist, Christina, is a 15-year-old girl who has been raised in isolation along with her two younger siblings, Bello and Boy. Their parents, who are never seen on screen, have created a peculiar and oppressive world for their children to inhabit. The trio spends their days listening to endless homemade tapes that teach them a whole new vocabulary, etiquette, and societal norms. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Christina, Bello, and Boy are not only cut off from the outside world but also from any semblance of normalcy. Their parents' attempts to educate them have resulted in a strange and disturbing culture, where the teenagers are taught to repress their natural desires and emotions. The film's use of long takes, static camera positions, and an eerie atmosphere creates a sense of unease, drawing the viewer into this bizarre world. Lanthimos's direction is characterized by its attention to detail, as he captures the awkwardness and discomfort that comes with being trapped in such an unusual environment. As Christina begins to question the rules and norms of their isolated society, she starts to assert her independence and challenge the authority of her parents. This subtle rebellion sparks a series of events that ultimately lead to a shocking and disturbing climax. Throughout "Dogtooth," Lanthimos masterfully explores themes of identity, conformity, and the effects of societal pressures on human behavior. The film's unique blend of humor, satire, and social commentary creates a thought-provoking and uncomfortable viewing experience, leaving audiences questioning the nature of reality and our place within it. In the end, "Dogtooth" is a powerful and unsettling portrayal of a world that challenges the viewer to confront their own assumptions about what is normal and acceptable. With its unique visuals, sharp direction, and thought-provoking themes, this film is sure to leave a lasting impact on those who dare to venture into its isolated world.
Reviews
Zoey
In "Dogtooth," the three children can be seen as allegories for different segments of a population. The son represents the sycophants, blindly obeying the vile parents, even to the point of killing a defenseless cat to prove his loyalty to the 'fatherland.' The eldest daughter embodies those working within the government apparatus, devoid of personal will, seeking only stability, learning that curiosity brings harsh consequences. The middle daughter symbolizes the rebel, thus breaking her dogtooth to escape.
Rachel
A bizarre family story serves as a metaphor for isolationist politics, prioritizing sensationalism over artistic merit.
Autumn
A chilling and absurd allegory of indoctrination and a sardonic jab at authoritarianism. The body awakens with burgeoning desires, while the personality remains in the babbling, oral stage – this dissonance births a grotesque family dynamic. From the moment of birth, the received ideologies render the son unable to step beyond the wall and grasp the airplane model. Crawling, dog-like barks, licking for pleasure, tearing and snatching for objects... In the end, the daughter shatters her canine tooth with a dumbbell, simultaneously demolishing the seemingly impenetrable structure of this secluded family.
Emersyn
"Mom, what's a zombie?" "A zombie is a small yellow flower." The film is unadorned, absurd yet strikingly realistic, portraying a twisted, dysfunctional family as a terrifying totalitarian state. The final shot, abruptly ending in the trunk of a car, leaves the ending ambiguous. Whether suffocation or escape, the outcome is ultimately the same. Who's to say the outside world isn't just another "home"? Btw, who labeled this a comedy? ★★★☆
Cora
Three teenagers are confined to an isolated country estate that feels like another planet. Their days are filled with homemade tapes teaching them a new vocabulary, but this education comes at the cost of their freedom and innocence. The film explores how their confinement shapes their identity and reveals the cracks in their seemingly perfect family dynamic. It's a chilling commentary on control, knowledge, and the loss of true independence.
