[Fantasia 2025] FILM REVIEW: Dog of God
- Gav
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Dog of God - Fantasia Canadian Premiere Review
Director: Lauris Abele, Raitis Abele
Starring: Agate Krista, Regnars Vaivars, Kristian Karelins, Armands Bergis,
Written by: Lauris Abele, Raitis Abele, Ivo Briedis, Harijs Grundmanis
Produced by: Raitis Abele, Giovanni Labadessa, Kristele Pudane
Cinematography by: Lauris Abele
Original Score by: Marcis Abele
Synopsis:
In late 17th Century, a small village is torn apart by two controlling ways of life led by a decadent Baron and a domineering Priest.
Thoughts:
When you break down every story ever told, like really break it down, every decision that has ever been made in all these stories has revolved around love and/or sex. It is the most powerful emotion and thus is also the most destructive and 'Dog of God' highlights that in the most insane and peculiar fashion. One of the weirdest films I've seen all year. I loved it.
In the desolate Livonian village of Zaube, an autocratic pastor named Bukholcz attempts to steer the residents in a pious direction, one that he and his submissive adopted son truly believe in. Yet standing against his evangelical ways are the patrons of the tavern, who don't just worship the ale but also have a soft spot for the barmaid and supposed healer Neze, much to the chagrin of Bukholcz.
After a priceless relic is stolen from his bed chamber, Bukholcz points the blame in Neze's direction and she is arrested and trialed for witchcraft. This sets up a hostile battle of wits between the pastor and his flock and the followers of a self professed werewolf called Theiss, who enters the fray.
If there's a more "Holy Fuck!" opening to a film this year then please make me aware of it because I just can't see witnessing a wandering warrior-turned-slave parting the oceans and cutting off the kaiju sized testicles of the devil himself being topped. Call me an optimist all you want but when a film grabs you by the throat like that then you know you're in for a great fucking time.
And it doesn't really let up after that. There's a shocking scene where a drunkard is duped into licking a cats asshole and we see it up close and personal. Like even the gloop dripping off the fleshy, swelling anus. The film is full of sex and nudity and some really grisly violence. 'Dog of God' definitely follows in the footsteps of rotoscopic classics like 'Heavy Metal' and 'Fire and Ice' as well as the 2021 Shudder original 'The Spine of Night'.
This is fantasy fairytale at its best that borrows from real world ancient lore to create it's own bizarre universe of very adult and very entertaining rules. It's even based on an actual historic event in Northern Europe. It leans into urban myths and folklore to help tell the story and the animation is incredibly engaging. Psychadelic, artistic and just so much fun to watch. It's a gnarly adventure with insane characters that do abhorrent and hedonistic things. There's plenty of humour in the mix too between all the evil things that evil men do.
'Dog of God' is a must watch for fans of Ralph Bakshi or anyone who has a penchant for folk horror or classic European fantasy. With a pounding electronic score, it truly is an exhilirating viewing experience. It probably won't join 'Flow' in being an Academy Award winning animated film from Latvia but it definitely deserves to be seen to be believed.
Verdict: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½
-Gavin Logan
'Dog of God' received its Canadian Premiere at Fantasia '25 on July 21st