There have been other killer dog movies, and there have been other talking animal movies, but none quite like Baxter. The film is told through the eyes of the titular bull terrier, but this isn't a woofer with the wise-cracking attitude of a Hollywood A-lister: Baxter is very much still canine in nature, responding to his base instincts with animal logic. This leads the dog to take drastic actions when unhappy.
In his search for the ideal owner, Baxter pushes an old lady down stairs, and attempts to drown an infant who has stolen his master's affection. This kind of behaviour would be deemed psychotic if Baxter were human, but it's made abundantly clear that the dog is... well, just a dog. No... the real horror of this deeply disturbing French horror is-surprise, surprise-a human: teenager Charles, who is obsessed with Hitler and Eva Braun, and who has even less empathy than his dog.
Director Jérôme Boivin handles his tale brilliantly, numerous characters' lives skillfully interwoven, with Charles and Baxter at the centre, driving the narrative to its chilling outcome. Performances are outstanding, particularly young François Driancourt as sociopath Charles, and the girl who plays the boy's love interest. While perhaps a little slow for many a modern-day horror fan, and possibly upsetting for animal lovers, Baxter should find favour with those who enjoy dark humour and challenging themes.
8.5/10, rounded up to 9 for IMDb.
In his search for the ideal owner, Baxter pushes an old lady down stairs, and attempts to drown an infant who has stolen his master's affection. This kind of behaviour would be deemed psychotic if Baxter were human, but it's made abundantly clear that the dog is... well, just a dog. No... the real horror of this deeply disturbing French horror is-surprise, surprise-a human: teenager Charles, who is obsessed with Hitler and Eva Braun, and who has even less empathy than his dog.
Director Jérôme Boivin handles his tale brilliantly, numerous characters' lives skillfully interwoven, with Charles and Baxter at the centre, driving the narrative to its chilling outcome. Performances are outstanding, particularly young François Driancourt as sociopath Charles, and the girl who plays the boy's love interest. While perhaps a little slow for many a modern-day horror fan, and possibly upsetting for animal lovers, Baxter should find favour with those who enjoy dark humour and challenging themes.
8.5/10, rounded up to 9 for IMDb.