• Latest
  • Trending
Dog on Trial Review

Dog on Trial Review: An Inventive Directorial Debut

Terrifier-4

Damien Leone Pledges Epic Backstory Reveal in Terrifier 4

18 minutes ago
Mountainhead

Armstrong’s Tech Billionaire Black Comedy Mountainhead Goes Live on Max at 3 a.m. ET

27 minutes ago
Donald J. Trump and diddy

Donald Trump Open to Diddy Pardon Amid Sex-Trafficking Trial

33 minutes ago
Karate Kid: Legends

Jonathan Entwistle on Crafting a Standalone Karate Kid Tale with a Nostalgic Twist

40 minutes ago
Your Friends and Neighbors

Apple TV+ Fast-Tracks Your Friends and Neighbors Season 2 for Spring 2026

1 hour ago
Day of Reckoning Review

Day of Reckoning Review: Archetypes Under Pressure in a Modern West

The Hunt Review

The Hunt Review: Charting 13 Years of Trauma and Division

Destination X Review

Destination X Review: A Game of Veiled Realities

Spray Paint Simulator Review

Spray Paint Simulator Review: Coating the Town, One Careful Layer at a Time

Tim Travers the Time Travelers Paradox Review

Tim Travers & the Time Travelers Paradox Review: Samuel Dunning Stars (and Stars, and Stars…)

Earnhardt Review

Earnhardt Review: The Anatomy of a NASCAR Titan

the last of us season 2

Laughs and Gasps: Fans Split on The Last of Us Season-Finale Tone

11 hours ago
  • Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Gazettely Review Guidelines
Saturday, May 31, 2025
GAZETTELY
  • Home
  • Movie and TV News
    Terrifier-4

    Damien Leone Pledges Epic Backstory Reveal in Terrifier 4

    Mountainhead

    Armstrong’s Tech Billionaire Black Comedy Mountainhead Goes Live on Max at 3 a.m. ET

    Donald J. Trump and diddy

    Donald Trump Open to Diddy Pardon Amid Sex-Trafficking Trial

    Karate Kid: Legends

    Jonathan Entwistle on Crafting a Standalone Karate Kid Tale with a Nostalgic Twist

    Your Friends and Neighbors

    Apple TV+ Fast-Tracks Your Friends and Neighbors Season 2 for Spring 2026

    the last of us season 2

    Laughs and Gasps: Fans Split on The Last of Us Season-Finale Tone

    Russell Brand

    Russell Brand Denies Historic Rape Charges in London Court

    Ming-Na Wen

    California-Shot “Mandalorian & Grogu” Eyes May Debut, Casting Rumors Swirl

    Nine Puzzles

    Disney+ Crime Hit Nine Puzzles Races Past Records in First Week

  • Movie and TV Reviews
    Day of Reckoning Review

    Day of Reckoning Review: Archetypes Under Pressure in a Modern West

    The Hunt Review

    The Hunt Review: Charting 13 Years of Trauma and Division

    Destination X Review

    Destination X Review: A Game of Veiled Realities

    Tim Travers the Time Travelers Paradox Review

    Tim Travers & the Time Travelers Paradox Review: Samuel Dunning Stars (and Stars, and Stars…)

    Earnhardt Review

    Earnhardt Review: The Anatomy of a NASCAR Titan

    The Ritual Review

    The Ritual Review: An Unsettled Echo in a Somber Chamber

    Dept. Q Review

    Dept. Q Review: Edinburgh’s Gloom and a Detective’s Fractured Soul

    And Just Like That... Season 3 Review

    And Just Like That… Season 3 Review: A Stylish Step Forward, But Does It Go Far Enough?

    Sneaky Links Dating After Dark Review

    Sneaky Links: Dating After Dark Review: From Hookup to Hangup?

  • Game Reviews
    Spray Paint Simulator Review

    Spray Paint Simulator Review: Coating the Town, One Careful Layer at a Time

    F1 25 Review

    F1 25 Review: A Stunning Drive, If You Have the Right Rig

    Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo Review

    Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo Review: Whip-Smart Mechanics and Pixel Charm

    Elden Ring Nightreign Review

    Elden Ring Nightreign Review: Condensed Chaos for Tarnished Veterans

    Scar-Lead Salvation Review

    Scar-Lead Salvation Review: An Anime Perspective on a Rogue-like Path

    Fuga: Melodies of Steel 3 Review

    Fuga: Melodies of Steel 3 Review: The Taranis’s Final, Heartfelt Song

    Death end re;Quest Code Z Review

    Death end re;Quest Code Z Review: A Perilous Loop of Progress

    Wings of Endless Review

    Wings of Endless Review: More Than Just a Flight of Fancy?

    Creature Keeper Review

    Creature Keeper Review: A Keeper’s Tale of Ambition and Issues

  • The Bests
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Movie and TV News
    Terrifier-4

    Damien Leone Pledges Epic Backstory Reveal in Terrifier 4

    Mountainhead

    Armstrong’s Tech Billionaire Black Comedy Mountainhead Goes Live on Max at 3 a.m. ET

    Donald J. Trump and diddy

    Donald Trump Open to Diddy Pardon Amid Sex-Trafficking Trial

    Karate Kid: Legends

    Jonathan Entwistle on Crafting a Standalone Karate Kid Tale with a Nostalgic Twist

    Your Friends and Neighbors

    Apple TV+ Fast-Tracks Your Friends and Neighbors Season 2 for Spring 2026

    the last of us season 2

    Laughs and Gasps: Fans Split on The Last of Us Season-Finale Tone

    Russell Brand

    Russell Brand Denies Historic Rape Charges in London Court

    Ming-Na Wen

    California-Shot “Mandalorian & Grogu” Eyes May Debut, Casting Rumors Swirl

    Nine Puzzles

    Disney+ Crime Hit Nine Puzzles Races Past Records in First Week

  • Movie and TV Reviews
    Day of Reckoning Review

    Day of Reckoning Review: Archetypes Under Pressure in a Modern West

    The Hunt Review

    The Hunt Review: Charting 13 Years of Trauma and Division

    Destination X Review

    Destination X Review: A Game of Veiled Realities

    Tim Travers the Time Travelers Paradox Review

    Tim Travers & the Time Travelers Paradox Review: Samuel Dunning Stars (and Stars, and Stars…)

    Earnhardt Review

    Earnhardt Review: The Anatomy of a NASCAR Titan

    The Ritual Review

    The Ritual Review: An Unsettled Echo in a Somber Chamber

    Dept. Q Review

    Dept. Q Review: Edinburgh’s Gloom and a Detective’s Fractured Soul

    And Just Like That... Season 3 Review

    And Just Like That… Season 3 Review: A Stylish Step Forward, But Does It Go Far Enough?

    Sneaky Links Dating After Dark Review

    Sneaky Links: Dating After Dark Review: From Hookup to Hangup?

  • Game Reviews
    Spray Paint Simulator Review

    Spray Paint Simulator Review: Coating the Town, One Careful Layer at a Time

    F1 25 Review

    F1 25 Review: A Stunning Drive, If You Have the Right Rig

    Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo Review

    Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo Review: Whip-Smart Mechanics and Pixel Charm

    Elden Ring Nightreign Review

    Elden Ring Nightreign Review: Condensed Chaos for Tarnished Veterans

    Scar-Lead Salvation Review

    Scar-Lead Salvation Review: An Anime Perspective on a Rogue-like Path

    Fuga: Melodies of Steel 3 Review

    Fuga: Melodies of Steel 3 Review: The Taranis’s Final, Heartfelt Song

    Death end re;Quest Code Z Review

    Death end re;Quest Code Z Review: A Perilous Loop of Progress

    Wings of Endless Review

    Wings of Endless Review: More Than Just a Flight of Fancy?

    Creature Keeper Review

    Creature Keeper Review: A Keeper’s Tale of Ambition and Issues

  • The Bests
No Result
View All Result
GAZETTELY
No Result
View All Result
Dog on Trial Review

Rumours Review: A Baffling Black Comedy Bonanza

Mr. Birchum Review: Uneven Debut Demands Patience for Potential Payoff

Home Entertainment Movies

Dog on Trial Review: An Inventive Directorial Debut

This Courtroom Comedy Bites

Mahan Zahiri by Mahan Zahiri
1 year ago
in Entertainment, Movies, Reviews
Reading Time: 5 mins read
A A
0
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on PinterestShare on WhatsAppShare on Telegram

Laetitia Dosch makes her directorial debut with an offbeat courtroom drama that’s sure to get tongues wagging. Dog on Trial takes France’s current love affair with legal thrillers to the next level by putting a dog in the defendant’s chair. Dosch also stars as Avril, an animal rights lawyer who takes on the case of Cosmos, an aggressive dog accused of biting.

Cosmos’ owner, Dariuch, faces charges for the attacks, one of which left a woman seriously injured. But Avril refuses to see Cosmos as just a dangerous animal. She convinces the court to try Cosmos as an independent entity in what would be the first legal proceeding against a dog since medieval times.

Dosch shows real confidence behind the camera in bringing this strange yet compelling story to life. With philosophical questions about animal rights and legal personhood, Dog on Trial promises to get people debating long after the closing arguments.

Dog on Trial’s Tricky Narrative

Laetitia Dosch packs her directing debut, Dog on Trial, with plenty of storylines to sink your teeth into. At its core is Swiss lawyer Avril, who takes up the case of Cosmos, a dog accused of biting attacks. One vicious incident left a woman badly injured. But Avril insists the trials examine more than just Cosmos’ behavior; they scrutinize how the law defines animals.

Dog on Trial Review

Avril narrates much of the action through voiceovers. This lets viewers in on her thinking but risks overwhelming the visuals at times. Her inner monologues bounce between the philosophical and humorous. We also get glimpses of Avril’s personal life through subplots. From awkward workplace romance to neighborly friendship, these provide texture but occasionally muddy the legal intrigue.

The characters steer this canine court saga to engrossing ends. As Avril, Laetitia Dosch brings excitable passion and principled panache. And dog actor Kodi steals many scenes—through expressive eyes and adorable antics, he truly seems a defendant deserving a day in court. Their bond anchors the unpredictable case.

The supporting cast has led debates on animal rights and legal personhood. But the real star may be Cosmos himself, provoking scrutiny of mankind’s relationship with our canine comrades. Dog on Trial is an offbeat story that finds unexpected drama, comedy, and commentary in Man and Mutt’s meeting in the halls of justice.

Philosophical Pooch

Dog on Trial is as much a courtroom drama as it is a tutorial in philosophy. At the center of the cosmothe trial is the question: How do we define animals? Are they living beings deserving of rights or property under human dominion? Through the case of biter Cosmos, Laetitia Dosch’s film sparks lively debate.

Lawyer Avril argues that all creatures possess free will. She finds support from behavior experts but faces political opposition, claiming certain dogs must be “eliminated.” The movie astutely traces how our views of species reflect deeper biases. A highlight is a panel dissecting the notion of canine souls in a scene both humorous and thought-provoking.

Gender issues also emerge from the hearings. Animations illustrate controversial theories around why dogs supposedly disrespect women. And Avril’s passionate plea suggests the case impacts more than just animal welfare.

Much is pondered for a story centered on a man’s best friend. But Dosch grounds these lofty ideas in character. Through her bond with Cosmos, Avril’s eyes are opened to difference in a nuanced way. As the dog smiles and misbehaves his way into hearts, Dog on Trial proves philosophy doesn’t need big words—sometimes all it takes is a good boy.

Dosch’s Directorial Début With Bite

Laetitia Dosch wears many hats in Dog on Trial, but it’s behind the camera where she truly shines. This offbeat courtroom comedy marks her confident directing debut. Dosch guides the playful yet philosophical story with equal parts levity and gravitas.

She employs whimsical flourishes, like animated sequences, to visualize controversial theories. Dosch also trusts the audience’s intellect, allowing meaty debates on ethics and identity to unfold unrushed. Her ensemble brings these heady concepts to life with humor and heart.

Cinematographer Alexis Kavyrchine lenses the proceedings with vivacious flair. He makes the most of Dog on Trial’s striking locations, like the imposing Swiss courthouses, heightened by imposing archways and sunlight. Dynamics flow freely between cozy interiors and expansive exteriors.

Yet arguably the real star is canine lead Kodi. With soulful eyes and adorable antics, he embodies defendant Cosmos like no mere dog actor. Jumping, panting, and flopping at rapt attention, Kodi proves animals can act too—and steals many a scene.

Through visual panache, clever turns, and a four-legged phenom’s performance, Dosch’s directorial voice polishes this legal lunacy into a work with a real bite. Dog on Trial shows her promise behind the camera is just as impressive as before.

A Mutt of Many Genres

Dog on Trial refuses easy categorization, blending an array of tones with aplomb. At its heart lies a courtroom drama invested in weighty questions around animal rights. Yet the proceedings are anything but dry. Dosch enlivens debates with satire, absurdism, and gags aplenty.

She finds humor in even philosophical panels, never undercutting perspectives but enhancing engagement. The film’s cartoonish antics call to mind masters of surreal comedy like Bunuel. Scenes poking fun at pseudoscience feel snatched from his surrealist playbook.

But Dosch balances these lighthearted instincts with a sincere sense of purpose. She trusts audiences to digest complex ideas between barks of laughter. Serious issues surrounding gender, ethics, and social change receive earnest airing alongside absurd occurrences.

The result is a shape-shifting story that oscillates on a dime. One moment it entertains with slapstick canine cavorting; the next stimulates reflection. Dosch forges an eclectic alchemy from elements that could have clashed in lesser hands.

Dog on Trial refuses an easy label but finds artistic success by staying true to its quirky sensibilities. Its genre-blending proves as unpredictable as its four-legged hero.

A Howling Success of Style and Substance

Dog on Trial proved to be one bold canine-centric debut. Dosch took an absurd premise and fashioned an inventive, rule-breaking movie. She infused lively courtroom antics with biting social insights and philosophical puzzles to chew on.

The director brought dynamic filming flourishes and a soulful performance as lawyer Avril. But the real star turned out to be Kodi, whose expressive talents showed dogs deserve stellar roles too. The pooch stole scene after scene in a hilarious breakout turn.

Critics praised Dosch for skillfully balancing satire and sincerity. She let audiences have fun while also pausing to ponder issues of justice, relationships, and what it means to be different. The filmmaker swerved expectations at every turn.

Since premiering to buzz at Cannes, Dog on Trial has continued to charm fans worldwide. Its improvised style and willingness to tackle taboos have kept viewers on their toes.

The legacy of this quirky cinematic mutt is redefining what an offbeat courtroom story can be: equally absurd, thought-provoking, and howlingly delightful. Dosch delivered an original voice that deserves an eager reception.

The Review

Dog on Trial

8 Score

While not without its flaws, Dog on Trial is a wildly inventive directorial debut that charmingly blends whimsy with provocation. Dosch takes a silly premise and subverts expectations at every turn, crafting an unpredictable satire that entertains and stimulates in equal measure. With playful gusto and paw-filled passion, she fashions a delightfully offbeat legal lunacy well worth an audience's time and attention.

PROS

  • Original, unpredictable premise
  • Blend of humor, social commentary, and philosophical depth
  • Strong directing style and performances from Dosch and Kodi
  • Effectively balances tones of absurdism and sincerity.

CONS

  • Some subplots, like Avril's love life, feel overextended.
  • Humor may come across as too wordy for some tastes.
  • Style won't appeal to all and risks being off-putting.

Review Breakdown

  • Overall 0
Tags: 2024 Cannes Film FestivalAnne DorvalAnne-Sophie BaillyDog on TrialFeaturedFrançois DamiensJean-Pascal ZadiLaetitia Dosch
Previous Post

Rumours Review: A Baffling Black Comedy Bonanza

Next Post

Mr. Birchum Review: Uneven Debut Demands Patience for Potential Payoff

Try AI Movie Recommender

Gazettely AI Movie Recommender

This Week's Top Reads

  • The Librarians: The Next Chapter

    The Librarians: The Next Chapter Season 1 Review – Bridging Eras with Spellbinding Charm

    26 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Death Valley Review: A Witty Welsh Wander into Cosy Crime

    1 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Cannes Film Festival 2025 — Complete Winners List

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Boglands Review: Shadows and Whispers in the Irish Mist

    1 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Nine Puzzles Season 1 Review: Puzzle Pieces, Pain, and Police Procedurals

    1 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • MobLand Season 1 Review: Family Ties and Underworld Intrigues

    1 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • The Better Sister Season 1 Review: Not Quite a Killer Thriller

    1 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0

Must Read Articles

Destination X Review
Entertainment

Destination X Review: A Game of Veiled Realities

9 hours ago
Earnhardt Review
Entertainment

Earnhardt Review: The Anatomy of a NASCAR Titan

10 hours ago
The Ritual Review
Entertainment

The Ritual Review: An Unsettled Echo in a Somber Chamber

1 day ago
Dept. Q Review
Entertainment

Dept. Q Review: Edinburgh’s Gloom and a Detective’s Fractured Soul

1 day ago
And Just Like That... Season 3 Review
Entertainment

And Just Like That… Season 3 Review: A Stylish Step Forward, But Does It Go Far Enough?

1 day ago
Loading poll ...
Coming Soon
Who is the best director in the horror thriller genre?

Gazettely is your go-to destination for all things gaming, movies, and TV. With fresh reviews, trending articles, and editor picks, we help you stay informed and entertained.

© 2021-2024 All Rights Reserved for Gazettely

What’s Inside

  • Movie & TV Reviews
  • Game Reviews
  • Featured Articles
  • Latest News
  • Editorial Picks

Quick Links

  • Home
  • About US
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise with Us
  • Review Guidelines

Follow Us

Facebook X-twitter Youtube Instagram
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Movies
  • Entertainment News
  • Movie and TV Reviews
  • TV Shows
  • Game News
  • Game Reviews
  • Contact Us

© 2024 All Rights Reserved for Gazettely

Go to mobile version