Dogman (2018)

Director: Matteo Garrone
Stars: Marcello Fonte, Edoardo Pesce, Nunzia Schiano
Runtime: 103 minutes

Synopsis: 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.

Performances: 8/10
Screenplay: 7/10
Costumes/Makeup: 7/10
Editing: 8/10
Cinematography: 8/10

Verdict: Matteo Garrone's latest addition to an evergrowing Italian Cinema is proof that simple storytelling goes a long way when handled properly. His film, which follows a well-liked dog groomer's unlikely relationship with a menacing brute of a boxer, was deservedly rewarded in more than one award ceremony, barely missing out on a nomination at the Oscars.

Garrone, helped by a stellar performance by Marcello Fonte who was perfectly cast as the small and shy lead who goes through a roller coaster of emotions, elevates the film by working out an appropriate tone that perfectly matches the events taking place. It's dark, gloomy, scoreless, and at all times leaves you with a feeling of eeriness.

The film, however, is also held back by said tone, which I felt at times affected its pacing and made it criminally lack excitement. I also had a few minor issues with the way some problems were handled by the characters.

"Dogman" is still a solid film worth checking out if you're into small dark crime dramas that also serve as character studies, and most definitely left me excited to see what Garrone's next project will be.       

FINAL GRADE: 7.5/10