HOLLYSHORTS FILM FESTIVAL 2024 REVIEW! The Dog is the fourth short movie from writer-director Danielle Baynes. The 12-minute drama stars Kate Walsh as Claire, a veterinarian at a 24-hour clinic that focuses on teaching. For years, Claire has been able to handle the pressures of seeing beloved animals pass before their families’ eyes.
However, Claire’s emotional burden reaches a breaking point when she encounters a sick dog in the clinic’s hallway. The extraordinary part? The dog speaks to her, expressing their shared exhaustion. This unexpected development sets the stage for Claire’s internal struggle. Will she succumb to her weariness, or will she realize her continued importance?
“The dog speaks to her, expressing their shared exhaustion.”
The Dog is a harrowing but vital watch. Baynes effectively establishes Claire’s mood and precarious emotional state in just a few scenes. The editing by Shannon Michaelas seamlessly jumps through night after night as the pressure builds. When coupled with the evocative blue-tinted lighting, it’s hard not to feel the same as the main character.
Walsh delivers the same intense sadness as the visuals. She fully inhabits Claire and makes all watching buy every single tear and depressive episode. It’s a beautiful and tender portrayal that elicits empathy and sympathy.
Despite its short duration, The Dog is a masterclass in storytelling. It manages to pack more emotional depth and realism than motion pictures ten times its length. The visuals, the editing, and the direction all contribute to a narrative that builds pressure and despair until it becomes unbearable. Walsh’s performance is a testament to her skill, delivering each emotional beat with unwavering realism.
The Dog screened at the 2024 Hollyshorts Film Festival.