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In Dog's Words

Name: In Dog's Words
Director: Marcos Jorge
Released: 2016
Duration: 101 min

Representation Score

3.0/10

Limited

2016

Director

Marcos Jorge

Runtime

101 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

In Dog's Words is a character-driven film that critiques the disruption of social order. It contrasts a non-violent working-class protagonist with a sociopathic former police officer, highlighting the interaction between authority figures and civilians. Though set in a naturally diverse, multi-ethnic urban environment, the film adheres to a conventional dramatic structure. It lacks explicit markers of the way different parts of someone's identity overlap, especially concerning gender and LGBTQ+ identities, which limits its progressive impact. The narrative effectively questions the benevolence of institutions through its examination of bureaucratic systems and individual consequences, while avoiding simplistic hero-versus-villain clichés.

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Category Breakdown

Does In Dog's Words have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or non-cisgender identities. The story focuses solely on a local interpersonal conflict.

How does In Dog's Words portray gender?

Fair

The story revolves around a masculine conflict between a dogcatcher and an ex-cop. It lacks female characters with significant roles or challenges to traditional gender power structures.

How racially and ethnically diverse is In Dog's Words?

Fair

Set in São Paulo, the film showcases a diverse urban landscape. While specific racial identities are not detailed, the socio-economic tensions suggest a multi-ethnic community.

How does In Dog's Words represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative examines the tension between civic law and personal consequences. It questions institutional authority by portraying the antagonist as a former representative of state power.

Does In Dog's Words include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no depiction of physical, neurodivergent, or mental health disabilities in the narrative.

Present on Screen

The film presents a naturalistic backdrop for a diverse, multi-ethnic urban environment.
It offers a nuanced critique of institutional authority and state power.
Avoids simple hero-versus-villain clichés by focusing on complex social and legal conflicts.

Limited or Absent

The story lacks female characters with significant roles or influence.
There is no representation of LGBTQ+ individuals or non-cisgender identities.
The film does not address physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

São Paulo, 2007. Santana works as a dogcatcher, picking up stray animals. He is a friendly guy, averse to trouble, who has always kept violence away from the doorsteps of his home. One day, he catches a very big dog in a school. Some days later, comes the animal's owner: Babyface, a sociopath ex-cop. The man is furious, considering his dog to be "kidnapped", and demands immediate restitution of his pet. But the dog is not coming back: according to the law, the animal was put to sleep. In a misunderstanding, Babyface argue with Santana, blaming him for his pet's death. From this moment on, Santana's life will be completely changed.

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