This film has flaws, it is very low-budget, but it does a lot more right then wrong. I get why some people despise this film, It is advertised as horror, and while it could be categorized as such, more fans of horror will hate this, they will consider it more of a thriller with horror elements, but honestly, the events of this film are presented in a very dark manner. it has the look of a 1970's grindhouse film, reminiscent of the original Last House on the Left. So yes, I believe the jaunty cuts and grainy low-grade photography and shaky camera work are a stylistic choice, but not one that everyone will enjoy for sure.
The acting of Father David is over the top, but it doesn't feel out of place, and it moves at a fairly slow pace, "not a lot" happens, but that isn't actually true. The entire film is one long build up of weird events, all the way to the events of the end, and no, there isn't a lot of on screen violence, what could have been a blood bath at the end is not, and if that bothers you, don't watch this. Most of the violence is suggested at, or shown after the fact, in it's place are red flashes, and I don't see this as copping out, so much as a stylistic choice. I think this is a lesson in showing less, is often more, what is suggested here, is more powerful than what is shown.
It took me a good week to watch this, not because it is boring, but because it has such an unsettling tone and everything generally feels off kilter, it made me feel pretty grimey everytime I watched it. The ending left me feeling pretty upset and despondent. I did really care about the characters. Even if I didn't know everything about them, the way the film takes it's time, you really get to spend a lot of time around the characters, and the lead is very likeable. The acting here, other than Father David, is really understated and well-done, I really liked Rachel as well, they came across as just normal people trying to live a normal life, someone you might have as your neighbor down the street. Daniel was particularly well-played, he could have been turned into a nutty caricature, and in a an almost completely silent role, it is well-done and he has quite an imposing presence. The rest of the town on the other hand are messed up beyond belief, but how, I will not say, you have to find that out yourself.
This is a very low-budget film, but for despite this, it is well-done, it has a good solid script. I do believe the grimy grind house feel is intentional and meant to call-back to exploitation films of the 1970's, it wouldn't be a long shot to call this an exploitation of film either. If you are not a fan of those types of films, or are looking for a straight-up horror film and not slow burn that doesn't slow much actual violence, you will hate Dogged, and I recommend you stay away. If you are a fan of well-made low-budget films, there is a lot to like here. It has a very unique feel and style and it truly creates its own little world.
God Bless ~Amy
