Can Animals Perform?

Do animals have the ability to act? Most rational individuals would argue that they do not. Our furry companions lack the ability to read scripts or create characters, and any charismatic presence they exhibit on screen is merely a result of following commands and the skillful work of an editor. Some might whimsically suggest that this applies to certain human actors as well; Alfred Hitchcock’s notorious remark that “actors are cattle” hints at this notion. Regardless, it’s difficult to watch Kodi, the scruffy, soulful canine star of “Dog on Trial,” without feeling that, whether by sheer luck or some enigmatic form of empathy, a genuine performance is taking place.

Kodi’s Compelling Performance

Tasked with jumping, slumping, trembling, and even (in a way) singing, Kodi, the biscuit-colored crossbreed, showcases an impressive emotional range that includes both unrestrained aggression and resigned sadness. He fulfills every requirement set by Laetitia Dosch’s charmingly quirky directorial debut, emerging as the film’s most captivating aspect. In many films, this might seem like a drawback; however, in this case, which serves as a heartfelt animal-rights parable disguised as a broad comedy, it is undoubtedly intended for this particular dog to shine. The film appears meticulously crafted to secure the Palme Dog award for best canine performer at Cannes, and indeed, after its Un Certain Regard premiere in May, Kodi rightfully claimed the prize.

Avril’s Legal Battle

Dosch, the French-Swiss actress who gained recognition for her delightful performance in 2017’s “Jeune Femme,” takes on the lead role of Avril, a frazzled yet kind-hearted Swiss lawyer with a knack for challenging cases, both personal and legal. This time, the focus is on the downtrodden mutt Cosmos (Kodi) and his equally downcast human companion Dariuch (played by Belgian actor-comedian François Damiens), who faces legal repercussions after Cosmos bites and injures three women. Beyond Dariuch’s obligations to the victims, the law mandates that the dog be euthanized. Avril successfully argues that Cosmos, as an independent being, should be tried separately, leading to the unfolding of “Dog on Trial.”

A Unique Premise

While this premise may evoke memories of simpler family-friendly Hollywood creature comedies (perhaps “Beethoven’s Sixth Amendment”), Dosch’s screenplay, co-written with “My Everything” director Anne-Sophie Bailly, fully embraces the absurdity of the concept while aiming for sharp adult satire. The case quickly escalates into a national sensation, sparking lively public protests for and against Cosmos’s right to live, as a variety of self-proclaimed experts weigh in on the morality and essence of the common dog. Much of this is cleverly executed, as Dosch’s vibrant direction incorporates animation and faux-documentary elements to capture the chaotic nature of a media frenzy, while also providing thoughtful philosophical insights on animal behavior and ethics amidst the comedic chaos.

Balancing Tone and Story

However, at times, “Dog on Trial’s” bold and busy style can dilute its impact. The narrative is somewhat overloaded for such a brief film, as underdeveloped subplots involving Avril’s colleagues and her lonely young neighbor compete for attention alongside the more significant and pertinent storyline of the lawyer’s growing bond with Cosmos’s charming court-appointed handler, Marc (played by the engaging Jean-Pascal Zadi), and the mistreated dog’s gradual healing under his care. Dog lovers will undoubtedly be touched by this development and Kodi’s captivating portrayal of this journey. Yet, they may also find themselves susceptible to the film’s abrupt tonal shifts, as its more whimsical storytelling elements clash with the realities of Switzerland’s legal system.

A Distinctive Legal Comedy

Consider “Dog on Trial” as the quirky outlier among recent French-language legal dramas, such as “Anatomy of a Fall” and “The Goldman Case.” Despite its frenetic tragicomic pacing, the film ultimately resembles a procedural, exploring how justice is defined and for whom. Dosch remains an engagingly unconventional presence in front of the camera; however, behind it, she struggles to maintain complete control over the film’s dynamic ideas and restless stylistic choices. Yet, there is something fittingly wild about it as well. Acknowledging that not all viewers may resonate with its message, “Dog on Trial” aligns itself with the animals, barking, clawing, and occasionally misbehaving to drive its point home, while generously spotlighting its furry hero to emphasize that message.

Person

Laetitia Dosch, François Damiens, Kodi

Company Names

Cannes

Titles

Dog on Trial, Jeune Femme, My Everything

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