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We Don't Deserve Dogs

Name: We Don't Deserve Dogs
Director: Matthew Salleh
Released: 2021
Duration: 84 min

Representation Score

6.1/10

Good

2021

Director

Matthew Salleh

Runtime

84 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Matthew Salleh’s documentary succeeds as a global tapestry, breaking away from Western-centric storytelling through a kaleidoscopic narrative. By moving between Uganda, Istanbul, and Scotland, the film treats diverse, non-Western subjects with profound emotional depth and ability to act. The strength of the work lies in its multi-layered approach to humanity. It avoids the observer vs. observed trap common in ethnographic films, instead offering complex portraits of resilience and connection. However, the film's narrow focus on the interspecies bond results in a lack of representation for LGBTQ+ identities and specific disability-centric narratives. While the global scope is vast, certain social identities remain unexamined.

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Category Breakdown

Does We Don't Deserve Dogs have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include explicit LGBTQ+ characters or narratives. Instead, it focuses on the bond between humans and animals, avoiding exploration of queer identities.

How does We Don't Deserve Dogs portray gender?

Fair

Women are portrayed in various roles, from caregivers to urban dwellers. While this avoids a purely patriarchal perspective, the film does not delve deeply into gendered power dynamics.

How racially and ethnically diverse is We Don't Deserve Dogs?

Excellent

The documentary stands out by avoiding a Western-centric viewpoint. It offers dignified, actively leading portrayals of individuals in Uganda and Turkey, challenging traditional ethnographic clichés.

How does We Don't Deserve Dogs represent religion and culture?

Good

The film adopts a secular, contemplative view of life. It steers clear of promoting singular religious or Western moralities, focusing instead on emotional connections over standardized social success.

Does We Don't Deserve Dogs include disability representation?

Fair

The film hints at psychological resilience and trauma through subtext. However, it does not explicitly focus on characters with visible or invisible disabilities as primary subjects.

Present on Screen

Challenges Western-centric storytelling by providing high ability to act to non-Western subjects.
Offers dignified and complex portraits of individuals in diverse global locales like Uganda and Turkey.
Avoids promoting singular religious or Western moralities in favor of a secular, contemplative perspective.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit representation or narratives centered on LGBTQ+ identities.
Does not explicitly center characters with visible or invisible disabilities as primary subjects.
Misses opportunities to explore specific gendered power dynamics or go beyond traditional patterns.

Official Synopsis

A contemplative odyssey across our planet, looking at the simple and extraordinary ways that dogs influence our daily lives. Former child soldiers in Uganda. The local pub in a Scottish town. A dog walker on the streets of Istanbul. A kaleidoscope of unconventional portraits from fascinating locations. People need dogs, and perhaps they need us, but what do humans do to deserve the unconditional love they provide?

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