A Dog's Breakfast

A Dog's Breakfast is an independent, quirky, dark comedy released in 2007, starring David Hewlett, his real-life sister Kate Hewlett and, naturally, an adorable canine named Mars. This movie showcases the directorial debut of David Hewlett; he's also known from his acting work, prominently in the science fiction television series Stargate Atlantis.

The film centers on Patrick (David Hewlett), an eccentric and somewhat neurotic man who resides in a secluded farmhouse on the outskirts of a small town. Unemployed and full of strange habits, Patrick lives an isolated life with his cherished dog, Mars, as his sole companion. From obsessive cleaning to talking to his dog as though it were a human, it's clear that his connection to the world beyond his house is a tad abnormal.

Enter Marilyn (Kate Hewlett), Patrick's outgoing and spritely sister who is a rising television soap opera star. Although they share a sibling bond, Patrick and Marilyn are polar opposites in personality, habits, and lifestyle. Despite their differences, they maintain a loving, albeit exasperating, relationship. Marilyn often visits Patrick, sometimes bringing along her fellow actors and crew members, just to shake up the routine of her solitary brother's life.

Coincidentally, Marilyn also starts dating Ryan (Paul McGillion), who happens to play the lead on the show Marilyn stars in, the fictional TV program Star Crossed. Unbeknownst to Marilyn, this news doesn't sit well with Patrick, who becomes increasingly perturbed by the growing presence of Ryan in his sibling's life. Fueled by anxiety, jealousy, and an overprotective instinct, Patrick's dislike for Ryan reaches the boiling point, leading to a collapse of rational thinking and the burgeoning pervasiveness of paranoia and impulsive actions.

The main plot of A Dog's Breakfast spins into action when Patrick inadvertently meets Ryan behind closed doors. What follows is an enigmatic event that sends Patrick spiralling into panic, setting off a series of hilarious, somewhat darkly humorous situations that wreak havoc. His trusted sidekick in this escalating series of misadventures is none other than his loyal dog, Mars.

The true charm of the movie lies in the events that transpire after this incident, and the lengths Patrick goes to in order to negotiate with the aftermath of his actions. His clever endeavors will leave you in stitches, reflecting the fine line between the absurd and the ingenious. Adding to the hilarity is a clever injection of mock television advertisements and programming that indirectly serves as a farcical critique of contemporary culture and media.

A Dog's Breakfast's strength is in its clever writing, combined with the engaging performances by its cast. David Hewlett, as Patrick, convincingly portrays an array of emotions ranging from paranoia and panic to hilarity and relief, often within a single frame. Kate Hewlett, as Marilyn, adeptly balances her character's charmingly innocent demeanor with the harsh realities of making it big in the TV industry. Paul McGillion's portrayal of Ryan, the unsuspecting catalyst of events, adds a layer of hilarity and unpredictability to the story.

The major scene-stealer though is the dog, Mars. Not only is he adorable but also central to the storyline, with his interactions with Patrick lending an extra layer of humor to this eccentric black comedy.

David Hewlett’s directorial debut is a genuinely delightful surprise, exhibiting a keen sense of humor, timing, and a commendable knack of engaging the audience in the storyline. Even with its small-scale setting and limited characters, it delivers an impressive punchline of comedy, suspense, and heartfelt moments that leave a memorable mark.

A Dog's Breakfast is a good choice for those who appreciate indie films, black comedies, or cult classics. Despite its somewhat unconventional plot and quirky humor, at its heart, the film is about relationships, responsibility, and the lengths one might go to protect those they care about, albeit in a dramatically comedic and mischievous manner. The comedy, coupled with some suspenseful twists, ensures that A Dog's Breakfast is a film that's difficult to forget and easy to recommend.