Making its World Premire at Tribeca Festival, Dog of God is the latest animated feature to come from the country of Latvia. Unlike Flow, this latest release is a lustful horror story. The plot is set in the 17th century and follows a priest who has accused a local woman of being a witch. She is forced to stand trial when it is interrupted by a werewolf.
Anyone who has ever watched rotoscope animation knows there is nothing quite like it. The technique of tracing over motion picture footage gives it a realistic quality that modern animation has not been able to replicate. This does not mean that it is better than today’s work; it simply has a unique look and feel.
And it is the perfect style for a movie like Dog of God. The story is over the top with its sexuality and violence. Each disgusting moment and every lecherous shot has a grainy faded look to it. It gives the village a lived in feeling and adds to the film’s harsh atmosphere. As extreme as things get, the down to earth animation style gives a grounded feel to it all.
Along with the impressive visuals is an engaging story. Religion and the idea of what is truly good are major themes in Dog of God. As the plot progresses, the residents of the village fall deeper into depravity. Everyone except the person who is supposed to be the most wicked of them all. This is common folklore and it is unsurprising that a tale steeped in Latvian folk history would tackle the idea.
Dog of God is definitely not for everybody. Along with its deeper subject matter, it is filled with nudity, sex, and violence. Nothing is gratuitous, however. Everything that happens is part of the grown up fairy tale. It will remain with anyone who takes the chance to watch it.
The Tribeca Festival takes place from June 4, 2025 through June 15, 2025.
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