Movie Review: “The Big Dog” – Lighthearted Dark Comedy About Vulnerability and Masculinity.

Everyone likes to be in control, and sometimes, you have no choice but to take control. But does it make sense to want to be controlled at times? Perhaps it does if it’s tied to some sort of sexual fantasy be it domination or submission, maybe. But even then, really, what’s the satisfaction in that?

This question forms the backbone of Dane McCusker’s dark comedy, ‘The Big Dog‘, a film that dives headfirst into the absurd and complex world of power, control, and the lengths to which people will go to prevent their reality and their secret lives from clashing.

The film tells the intriguing story of Richard Morgan, a 53-year-old stockbroker and family man, whose carefully curated life begins to unravel on the day of his son’s graduation party. What starts as a celebration of his son’s milestone quickly spirals into a frantic quest to save his own life from total ruin. Richard, unbeknownst to his wife Kelly (played by Felicity Price) and son Sam, is caught up in a confusing and odd extramarital affair which is mostly just him being financially dominated by his dominatrix. Princess Paige (played by Asha Boswarva).

She drains his account, including the funds he has put aside to get his son’s graduation gift. With time running out, Richard must try to get the money back, organize the perfect family dinner and surprise his son with the car he always wanted. All the while also risks exposing his secret life while Paige threatens to expose him not just to his family but to his colleagues and clients.

While the premise is relatively simple, the film thrives in the complexities it builds around this framework. Richard’s dual life as a respected patriarch and submissive “pay pig” sets the stage for a darkly humorous exploration of themes like toxic masculinity, identity crises as well as emotional repressions.

The film’s writer and director Dane McCusker doesn’t make this narrative only about the humor of Richard‘s situation. He delves deeper and highlights the dysfunctions that brought him to this point. His choices and actions are not just by chance but all seem to be a result of deep-seated dissatisfaction with his life.

Julian Garner delivers a flawless performance as Richard Morgan, perfectly capturing the contradictions of a man who exudes control but craves subjugation. He provides a chunk of the film’s comic value without even trying to be funny in his antics or mannerisms. Even as you laugh at the absurdity of Richard’s situation you can’t help but also empathize with his plight and frustrations. And that is courtesy of Julian Garner‘s very well-rounded depiction of the character.

Michael Monk also shines as Richard’s troubled son, Sam.  He portrays a teenager struggling with confidence, self-esteem, and a desperate desire to be seen. Sam’s inner turmoil is revealed through subtle details, like a folder of hateful memes and images targeted at women on his computer.

When he finds out what his father has been doing he is not disappointed in him but rather hurt with envy that he is not as lucky or bold enough with women. He even decides to call Princess Piage and asks if she could sleep with him too. Michael Monk’s nuanced performance ensures that Sam is more than a troubled teen. Sam becomes a reflection of how societal pressures and familial dynamics can distort one’s perception of self-worth and relationships.

As engaging as ‘The Big Dog‘ is, the final act leaves much to be desired. The tension builds towards what feels like an inevitable, climactic confrontation or revelation or something that might provide closure or catharsis for Richard, Kelly, or Sam. However, the film opts for an ambiguous ending that leaves the audience questioning where the characters’ lives might go from here. While this lack of resolution might resonate with some as a reflection of life’s unpredictability, it feels like a missed opportunity to tie together the film’s rich narrative most satisfyingly or conclusively.

Aesthetically, everything about this film looks and feels pleasing. A majority of the story is set in the home of the Morgan’s home but it doesn’t feel like the story or the characters are just confined to one place. The editing allows for some fluidity in the narrative and the choice of colours adds some lightheartedness to the film’s dark humor.

All these elements gel well to craft this story that is equal parts hilarious and thought-provoking. The little complexities in the characters otherwise make this simple story something weightier and emotionally driven.

Despite this, ‘The Big Dog‘ remains a compelling exploration of control, vulnerability, and the precarious balance of modern masculinity. As the story unfolds, you can’t help but ask yourself what it truly means to be in control? For Richard Morgan, it’s a lesson learned the hard way, and for the audience, it’s a comedic yet sobering reminder of how easily the walls we build around ourselves can come crashing down.

I will score this film 7/10. While the ending may falter, the journey there is undeniably entertaining and layered with enough nuance to leave viewers reflecting long after the credits roll.