A Living Dog

A Living Dog is a thought-provoking German movie released in 2019, directed by Daniel Raboldt and starring Stefan Ebel, Siri Nase, and Nikolai Will. It's a visually stunning science-fiction drama that catapults audiences into a post-apocalyptic world, amplified by the profound richness of its themes, and the strength of its performances.

In a future where mankind has been almost entirely decimated by war, a lone survivor Tom (Stefan Ebel), tries to navigate the ruins of civilization. He is a fighter pilot from Special Forces and, using his skills and unique wilderness surroundings, tries to endure the harsh conditions that he is presented with. His commanding officer has a mysterious plan for Tom, but the weary survivor struggles to comprehend it amidst a grim struggle for survival. Likewise, his past, presented in fragments of flashbacks, is a constant haunting presence.

Stefan Ebel's portrayal of the hardened soldier, Tom, symbolizes a generation struggling to find a connection and meaning in a world consumed by war and destruction. Ebel does an outstanding job of presenting the physical and emotional toll of survival in a landscape stripped bare of the features of civilisation, compellingly bringing his complex character to life.

Alongside Ebel, Siri Nase and Nikolai Will deliver commendable performances. Nase particularly stands out as a second lead, albeit in a non-human form. She voices the character of Lucy, an advanced artificial intelligence drone that sticks around long after everything else has been wiped out, who becomes Tom's only companion in the desolate backdrop. Lucy’s non-human yet sentient presence shrouds the film in a dystopian ambiguity, as she bridges the gap between the remnants of human civilization and emerging technology.

As the movie navigates a harsh world, director Daniel Raboldt skillfully intertwines various underlying themes. Seamlessly blending sci-fi, drama, and poignant existential questions, Raboldt hits on common fears and philosophical ponderings. What would you be willing to sacrifice for your survival? How can you preserve your humanity in such an inhumane world? How do you find a spark of hope amidst almost total destruction?

The name of the film “A Living Dog” takes after the quote from Ecclesiastes (better a living dog than a dead lion), which aptly encapsulates the core subject matter of this film. A Living Dog is about clinging on to the vestiges of life in the face of total desolation by any means necessary.

Another noteworthy characteristic of this movie is its brilliant use of locations. The production team, led by Raboldt, has managed to turn natural landscapes into a terrifyingly plausible picture of a world destroyed by human conflict. Its sparse set designs, and evocative elements pay homage to the ruthless beauty and unrelenting wrath of nature. Moreover, the film masterfully employs visual effects to portray a sense of isolating desolation, making the world feel genuinely post-apocalyptic.

The cinematic value of the film is further increased by the use of the captivating score by Olaf Taranczewski. It isn’t just in service to the visuals; it’s a character in its own right. The contrasting sound design underscores the harsh reality and melancholy of the characters and their plight.

In a nutshell, A Living Dog is a masterful piece of dystopian cinema that presents an emotionally compelling exploration of the human spirit in the wake of a global catastrophe. This thought-provoking story, combined with careful crafting and beautiful cinematography, captivates from the first scene and enthralls until the revealing climax. It is a haunting yet mesmerizing testament to the indomitable human spirit and the resilience required when the order of the world has come to an end.

Engaging, profound, and visually stunning - A Living Dog is indeed a cinematic journey not to be missed for the lovers of introspective, post-apocalyptic narratives.