What is sold as a surrealist experience, a regular mother descends the dark rabbit hole of transitioning species but the premise fails to build on that concept. Unfortunately, the story only uses her connection to dogs as a light metaphor for motherhood without fully exploring the concept and leaving it to wither away in the narrative graveyard. The idea is almost entirely abandoned for a melodramatic relationship story that pales in comparison to the idea of Amy Adams turning into a dog. The marketing tricked me.
On top of that, Amy Adams is an underwhelming lead, leaning into the character’s lackadaisical nature only making the turn back to artist appear lackluster. Her motivations are the most interesting element of her character as it’s muddled in the mush of parenting. Yet, the larger plot writing is an afterthought, watering down the entire thing. Scoot McNairy is a hard sell and he’s virtually never good in any movie. Here he is awful, playing a neglectful husband who is the film’s seeming antagonist. His contributions are basic and there’s no actorly quality to his performance.
Overall, Marielle Heller takes what could be an interesting concept and neuters it. Making it adult for the sake of themes and making a lesser movie because of it. Heller’s writing works on a conceptual and character details level, but the plot leaves plenty to be desired. It’s ultimately boring and that’s a shame. I had higher hopes.
Review: ☆½ (38)
Weird Verdict:
Weird Cinema 