Channing Tatum's Netflix Hit in 2022 is the Ideal Film for Animal Enthusiasts

The 2022 movie Dog, starring and co-directed by Channing Tatum, also features a stunning Belgian Malinois in reality three dogs named Zuza, Britta, and Lana 5 who plays Lulu in the film. This heartwarming story is ideal for anyone who has a love for dogs.

While Tatum is widely recognized for hits like 21 Jump Street, Magic Mike, and The Lost City, Dog takes a different approach. Trailers presented it as a comedic road trip with a man and his dog, but the film dives much deeper, offering moments of drama and emotional reflection.

The plot centers on Jackson Briggs, a former Army Ranger grappling with PTSD. To gain approval from his captain to return to active duty, he reluctantly agrees to escort Lulu, the service dog of a deceased colleague, to the colleagues funeral. Lulu, suffering from her own PTSD and without an adoptive home, is facing euthanasia. As they travel together, Briggs and Lulu develop a profound bond, discovering in each other the companionship and understanding they both need.

The story, while fictional, draws inspiration from a personal experience in 2018 when Tatum took a final road trip with his ailing Catahoula pitbull mix, also named Lulu. Despite the sadness of that journey, the film emphasizes the beginning of a meaningful connection rather than a tragic ending. It was the end of a relationship that inspired us, but we wanted to tell a story about the start of one, said Tatums co-director Reid Carolin.

The movie does not follow the typical sad dog story. Instead, it highlights the real struggles of PTSD for both soldiers and their canine companions. Early in the film, Briggs is shown suffering physically and emotionally, while Lulu faces challenges due to her trauma. Her erratic behavior wearing a muzzle, tearing up car seats reflects the difficulty of understanding a dog with deep emotional scars.

Moments of connection, such as Lulu comforting Briggs after a seizure, reveal the depth of the human-animal bond. The film ultimately conveys that no dog is inherently bad; many simply require understanding and patience. Dog celebrates the effort and joy that come from nurturing this special relationship.

Author: Chloe Ramirez