DVD review: Dogtooth

A couple keeps their children segregated and completely ignorant of the outside world.

This strange little movie from Greece starts with a killer premise and it develops it in many interesting directions. It’s cool how the couple created a fictional reality for their children, full of mysterious scary things that await them if they dare to cross the gate of their house.

Even if notionally this reminds a lot that famous case of the children kept prisoners in the basement the horror here is more psychological. The children could go out practically at every moment but they are kept in by a web of lies.

The problem starts when they have to actually develop a story. In this sense the movie is kinda frustrating. There is always a sense that something is going to happen, the children are getting restless and new elements are introduced but in the end the plot never lift off.

Also the direction is somewhat pedestrian. There is some nice composition work but it feels too much kitchen sink realism for its own good. A movie like this need some creative camera work to make up for the confined location, a dreamy atmosphere is not enough.

 An interesting premise but a forgettable movie.