Our take
In a small Italian town, a dog cleaner’s wholesome days dealing with elderly owners and eager children are balanced with a series of messy nights. The small and frail man finds himself targetted by the town’s black-sheep, a strong and fearless ex-convict. Dogman is about the line between being bullied and wanting to be part of something, it’s a beautiful and often thrilling character study from Italian genius filmmaker Matte Garone. Won the Best Actor award at Cannes.
What it won
Cannes
2 wins · 1 nom
BAFTA
1 nom
European Film Awards
2 wins · 5 noms
The story
Marcello, a small and gentle dog groomer, finds himself involved in a dangerous relationship of subjugation with Simone, a former violent boxer who terrorizes the entire neighborhood. In an effort to reaffirm his dignity, Marcello will submit to an unexpected act of vengeance.
Elsewhere
"Garrone's forte, as ever, is to layer the brutish with the beautiful, and to find grace in dereliction."
— Anthony Lane
"Dogman illustrates the ruinous effects organized crime can have on even its most puppyish bit players."
— Justin Stewart
The details
Who picked it
The Staff is the editorial team at A Good Movie to Watch, contributing reviews, recommendations, and streaming guides across film and television. Based in Las Vegas, Nevada, we track over 100 streaming services in the US. Founded in 2014 by Bilal Zouheir, the team is built around human curation rather than algorithmic recommendations.
What a psychologically violent movie. It’s about a simple man who turns criminal, pushed by a heartless ex-convict. The main actor is incredible in his portrayal of an ordinary man whose life is transformed. Great movie.