DogMan Parents Guide

Dogman is a 2023 English-language French action thriller directed and written by Luc Besson. Starring Caleb Landry Jones, Jojo T. Gibbs, Christopher Denham, John Charles Aguilar, and Grace Palma, the film is set in New Jersey, and revolves around a man with a troubled past who finds solace in his love for dogs.

Premiering at the 80th Venice International Film Festival on August 31, 2023, Dogman was selected to compete for the Golden Lion. The film hit French theaters on September 27, 2023, and is slated for release by Briarcliff Entertainment on March 29, 2024.

Despite its anticipation, Dogman garnered mixed reviews from critics, offering a unique blend of action and emotional depth. Stay tuned for the film’s release to form your own opinion on this gripping tale of resilience and redemption.

DogMan Plot Summary

The movie plot centers on Douglas, in his tumultuous childhood, Douglas faced the unthinkable—an abusive and violent father who callously discarded him, leaving him vulnerable and defenseless. However, fate took an unexpected turn as a group of loyal dogs crossed his path. Instead of being the menace he feared, these furry companions became his guardians, offering solace and protection when he needed it the most.

Despite the traumatic past, Douglas forged a unique bond with his newfound canine allies. Their unwavering loyalty transformed his life, allowing him to navigate the challenges of existence on the fringes of society. Together, they formed an unconventional family, finding warmth and companionship where others only saw desolation.

Yet, as time unfolded, the scars of his earlier experiences continued to haunt Douglas. The wounds, though concealed beneath the surface, festered, pushing him to the brink of a harrowing descent into madness. The line between reality and delusion blurred as he grappled with the shadows of his past, threatening to unravel the fragile tapestry of his newfound life.

In a tragic twist, the very refuge that once brought him comfort became a breeding ground for a darker force within. The harmonious existence he had painstakingly built with his loyal canine companions now faced the looming threat of a malevolent transformation.

As the intricate web of Douglas’s mind unravels, the narrative delves into the complexities of resilience, redemption, and the enduring power of companionship. Can the love and loyalty of his four-legged friends pull him back from the precipice of madness, or will the shadows of his traumatic past consume him entirely?

Author Note

In this poignant tale of survival and redemption, Douglas and his extraordinary pack embark on a journey that transcends the boundaries of human-canine connection, exploring the profound impact of unconditional love in the face of profound adversity.

DogMan Parents Guide

Violence: The movie contains intense and graphic scenes illustrating the dark history of child abuse. These instances may be deeply disturbing for viewers, portraying the harsh realities of violence within a family setting. Additionally, the film includes scenes depicting violence towards both animals and humans, showcasing explicit imagery of blood and injuries.

Disturbing Content: The narrative explores themes of trauma, madness, and a harrowing descent into darkness. Viewers should be prepared for an emotionally charged storyline that delves into the psychological impact of abuse. The portrayal of characters grappling with their past traumas may be unsettling, particularly for those sensitive to themes of mental distress.

Language: The film features strong and explicit language throughout, reflecting the emotional intensity of the characters and the weighty themes being explored. Parents should be aware of the pervasive use of mature language.

Sexual Content: While sexual content is limited, the film includes mature themes and situations that may not be suitable for younger audiences. Parents should exercise caution based on their comfort level with their teenagers encountering such content.

Drug and Alcohol Use: The movie depicts substance abuse and alcohol consumption as part of the characters’ coping mechanisms. Parents should be aware of these portrayals, as they contribute to the overall mature tone of the film.

Intensity: The movie explores heavy emotional and psychological themes, providing a profound and intense viewing experience. The emotional weight of the narrative may be overwhelming for some viewers, necessitating a level of maturity to fully comprehend and process the story.

Overall Appropriateness: Given the intense violence, disturbing content, explicit language, mature themes, and depictions of substance use, the R rating is fitting. This movie is not recommended for children under 17 without parental guidance. Parents are advised to consider the intense nature of the content before allowing their teenagers to watch, ensuring it aligns with their family’s values and the emotional maturity of the viewer.

Why is Dogman Rated R?

Dogman is rated R for intense violence, including graphic scenes of child abuse, disturbing content related to trauma and madness, strong and explicit language, limited sexual content with mature themes, and depictions of drug and alcohol use.

Cast of DogMan Film

1. Caleb Landry Jones as Douglas “Doug” Munrow
2. Lincoln Powell as teenage Douglas
3. Jojo T. Gibbs as Evelyn
4. Christopher Denham as Ackerman
5. Clemens Schick as Mike Munrow
6. John Charles Aguilar as El Verdugo
7. Grace Palma as Salma Bailey
8. Iris Bry as Douglas’ mother
9. Marisa Berenson as the aristocrat woman
10. Alexander Settineri as Richie Munrow
11. Michael Garza as Juan
12. Tom Leeb as Bradley