[FrightFest 2025]: Dog Of God

Adult animation in the West is a tricksy thing. In other parts of the world there is a rich seam of films catering to an older audience, but in Europe and America it can often feel like we have mere scraps and so any new work draws in we fans of animation. And Dog of God– a rotoscope depiction of a 17^th century werewolf trial– is certainly something. 

Dog of God is a repulsive, fascinating, beguiling and, ultimately, frustrating entry in adult animation. And it is decidedly adult, a wallow in the filth, violence and perversions of humanity at its worst. The film returns to the carcass of a dog, left in the street to decompose, the decay more and more visible in each instance. It is an unsubtle image for the subject matter explored here – that society itself is the one rotting. The Swedish Livonian village we find ourselves in is a hedonistic one, a simmering conflict between religious repression and more earthly pleasure.

Visually, Dog of God reaches for some remarkable sights. Capable of genuine beauty in its composition and vistas, it also descends to hedonism, as the viewer is never too far from some form of piss or puss being on display in all its visceral glory. An early confrontation takes place foregrounded by an unseen person urinating. The directors Raitis and Lauris Abele seem determined to repulse and confront us. 

The limitations here are away from the visuals (and Lauris Abele’s terrific score) and more with the narrative and roster of characters on display. What limited story there is, and Dog of God is always more willing to be more of a vibe, frustrates and pulls audiences away from finding something to sympathize with. The closest there is to a story rambles to a conclusion that while balletic, lacks true impact. The film needs someone to hang itself on and suffers from its disparate group of characters. There are too many here and they all swirl into a muddle of hateful figures.

The film ends up being a rather emotionally numbing experience. For all its visual splendor, Dog of God feels more of a film to endure. It feels close in spirit to The Devils (1971), but lacks the nuance, depth and warmth of this work. As a critique of humanity you feel there would be more impact if there was any of this quality on display. One for the visuals only.

2.5 Screams out of 5