Dogtooth is a Greek foreign language film that follows the story of a family cult who live in a country estate.
The film, which is set in a small Greek town, centers on the three children of the family (two daughters and one son) who live with their obsessive and controlling parents.
Dogtooth touches on a number of real world themes relating to
the establishment of family cults and the extent at which these families go to ‘protect’
themselves from broad society.
Before watching Dogtooth, take into consideration
that the film is quite unlike anything you have probably seen before.
The film has been categorized as disturbing by many as the film is as strange as they come. Although it is still a wildly intriguing film.
The film has been categorized as disturbing by many as the film is as strange as they come. Although it is still a wildly intriguing film.
Synopsis
Dogtooth’s main characters are all apart of a family. They live together in their house in a rural town in Greece. At first, they appear to be a normal and loving family. A mother, father, two daughters and son.
However, we soon learn that the three children are only restricted to life inside of their household.
Their house can be described as more of a luxurious prison than a suave estate. The area is fenced, the yard is walled and there is no way in or out of the place, unless you are one of the parents, of course.
The three kids, who are teenagers, learn everything from
their parents and live a life of ‘harmony’
far removed from society. Aside from their parents and a tutor, the kids have
no contact with people from the outside world. As a result of said ostracization,
they learn very different realities of the world to keep them obedient to their
parents.
The film follows the family as the three teenagers go about
their days, which depict the obsessive and disturbing rules the children live
with.
The parents control absolutely everything they do and as the film goes on, we learn just how far the parents will go to ensure their children abide by their word.
The parents control absolutely everything they do and as the film goes on, we learn just how far the parents will go to ensure their children abide by their word.
Important Themes
It’s important to note that Dogtooth is a very creative and far-reaching film. It tells a very disconcerting narrative and is acted out spectacularly by it’s cast.
As far removed as the story is, it’s important to note that the film is that of fiction, but nonetheless still tells a very intriguing story about power relations in an over-bearing and strict household.
Stories about family cults are almost always shocking.
When family stories are uncovered, you usually hear horror-filled stories detailed with years of psychological, emotional and sexual abuse.
When family stories are uncovered, you usually hear horror-filled stories detailed with years of psychological, emotional and sexual abuse.
Over the years the public has
learned of a few of such unfortunate stories. Whether they are about family
oriented cults like the Manson’s, the NXIVM cult or the Peoples Temple Agricultural Project (Jonestown cult). Or if
they are actual real life families like the Australian New Age group (The Family) or the Californian ‘House of Horrors’ family who were uncovered earlier this year in January of
2018. These stories are full with horror and heartbreak.
Let’s look at the last of the above examples. The House of Horrors.
Earlier this
year the Turpin family in California were found guilty of torture after of
years of exploiting their children and raising them in a cult environment. 13 children in
all were raised by their two parents and lived under them for years.
At the
current time of writing, it is unknown to what extent of torture the children had
to endure, as the story is still relativity new. But neighbors have reported
that all of the children exhibit very strange and reclusive behaviour and speak
with low, monotone voices.
To read more about the family in question (and I encourage you to) feel free
to read the link above.
Stories like the House of Horrors do not happen commonly, but
they are always disturbing.
Films like Dogtooth play on this aspect of shock and tell a story that resonate with such themes.
Films like Dogtooth play on this aspect of shock and tell a story that resonate with such themes.
Conclusion
All in all, Dogtooth is a one of a kind film.
It is intriguing, dramatic, disturbing, spine tingling and shocking. It deals with a lot of unsettling subject matter, but is still able to tell a cohesive and interesting story.
I remember years ago, when I first finished the film all I could think was, "wow".
I literally had no words. I was met with so many conflicting feelings. The subject matter of the film was so unnerving but it was put together so well.
I literally had no words. I was met with so many conflicting feelings. The subject matter of the film was so unnerving but it was put together so well.
The narrative is very distraught and full of complexity and
emotion.
Dogtooth takes you on a wild ride from start to finish. It is for sure a film you won’t want to miss out on.
Dogtooth takes you on a wild ride from start to finish. It is for sure a film you won’t want to miss out on.
