‘DogMan’: 2023’s Most Underrated Thriller From a Legendary Filmmaker

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This February, director Luc Besson offers his unique vision of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, again working with Caleb Landry Jones, who plays the iconic vampire. The pair previously collaborated on DogMan, a thought-provoking and somewhat controversial thriller released in 2023. DogMan tells the story of Douglas Munrow (Jones), a troubled boy who finds solace and purpose through his connection with stray dogs.

Though some critics weren’t impressed, anyone excited about the strange and spooky world of Dracula should definitely watch DogMan first. It features what many consider to be Jones’ best acting performance, and it showcases director Besson at his most imaginative, compassionate, and bold. It’s a true cult film – approach DogMan with an open mind and you won’t be disappointed.

What is ‘DogMan’ About?


Apollo Films/EuropaCorp

Luc Besson, the director behind films like The Professional and The Fifth Element, created DogMan, a gripping and underrated psychological thriller that fans of the genre won’t want to miss. The film was inspired by a real-life story of a child kept caged by their parents, and Besson aimed to tell a moving story about finding redemption. It begins with Doug being arrested while transporting a truck full of dogs in New Jersey.

During therapy sessions with psychiatrist Evelyn (Jojo T. Gibbs), Doug’s difficult childhood is revealed through flashbacks. He suffered severe abuse at the hands of his father, leaving him with injuries that almost paralyzed him. A glimmer of hope appears when he meets his theater teacher, Salma (Grace Palma), while in juvenile hall. Despite deep trauma and lasting scars, Doug discovers purpose through Shakespeare and acting, learning to express himself and find confidence.

Doug’s act involves dressing in drag, frequently as Marilyn Monroe, and performing in a nightly cabaret show. Despite this seemingly unusual life, things improve when he starts caring for a large group of dogs, which he cleverly uses to pull off a series of jewel robberies. DogMan is a compelling look at a fascinating character combined with a sleek and exciting crime story, and it comes with the highest recommendation.

‘DogMan’s Underrated Reception, Explained


Apollo Films/EuropaCorp

Released in September 2023, the movie DogMan didn’t perform well with audiences or critics. It cost around $21 million to make, but only earned $4.3 million worldwide. Because of these low numbers, the film didn’t get much attention and quickly faded from view after its release.

Critics generally disliked DogMan, even though they praised the lead actor’s captivating performance. The film received a 59% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metascore of 45, suggesting mostly negative to mixed reviews. However, audiences have responded much more positively, giving DogMan an 84% Audience Score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 6.8 rating on IMDb.

While many praised Jones’ acting, audiences connected most with the movie’s heartwarming portrayal of dogs. Despite some unevenness in its tone, this coming-of-age story about a troubled young man finding friendship and healing through animals is ultimately a moving and memorable film.

While Besson sometimes falls back on familiar action clichés, the film’s exploration of family, who we are, and finding forgiveness is truly compelling. It’s reminiscent of Kornél Mundruczó’s 2014 film, White God, which is equally strong and often overlooked – both films powerfully use large numbers of real dogs to highlight the bond between humans and animals.

Caleb Landry Jones Shows Why He Earned the Role of Dracula in ‘DogMan’


Apollo Films/EuropaCorp

Originally planned for release in April 2023, the film DogMan had its release moved to the fall to give it a better chance at awards recognition. It premiered at the Venice Film Festival in August 2023 and was in contention for the festival’s top prize, the Golden Lion, though Yorgos Lanthimos’ Poor Things ultimately won. DogMan also received a nomination for the Queer Lion award. Notably, the film won the Fanheart3 Award, which is given to the movie most likely to become a beloved cult classic.

The main reason people are so captivated by DogMan is Caleb Landry Jones’s unforgettable performance. He played Munrow with a heartbreaking and unpredictable energy, keeping viewers constantly guessing. Jones manages to be both charming and unsettling, vulnerable and dangerous, optimistic and deeply sad. It’s a truly powerful performance, and it’s no surprise that director Besson has cast him as Dracula in his next film, coming out in February.

This new film offers a romantic reimagining of the classic Dracula story. Director Luc Besson was eager to work with actor Rhys Jones again, having been impressed by his performance in DogMan. The movie centers on Prince Vladimir (Jones), who rejects God and transforms into the immortal Dracula. After 400 years of ruling through fear, Dracula crosses paths with Jonathan Harker (Ewins Abid) and his wife, Mina (Zoe Blue), who is the reborn version of Dracula’s lost love, Elisabeta.

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Okay, so everyone loves Dracula, right? But apparently, when it came to choosing who to work with next, Luc Besson told Deadline that he was way more excited about teaming up with Jones again. I mean, it’s cool to hear what directors really want, and it sounds like he and Jones just have a great working relationship!

I’m not focused on Dracula; I’m really interested in Caleb as an actor. We were discussing different parts he could play, and I jokingly suggested Dracula. But then I realized I wanted to write a story specifically for him.

I really enjoyed working with DogMan, and ever since then, I’ve wanted to collaborate with him again on another film. He’s incredibly talented – I haven’t seen that level of skill since working with Gary Oldman.

Besson also assures viewers that Dracula will be more romantic than past adaptations, adding:

It’s a beautiful love story with a deeply romantic premise. The core of the narrative revolves around a man patiently waiting four centuries for his wife to be reborn, demonstrating an eternal devotion to finding love again.

Before Dracula opens on February 6th, catch DogMan on Amazon before it’s too late.

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2026-01-11 01:23