Like Dogs
Movie Trailer
Release Date
October 1, 2021
Genre
Horror, Thriller, Psychological
Cast & Crew
- Annabel Barrett as Lisa
- Ignacyo Matynia as Adam
- Ryan Tran as Nick
- Shay Denison as Emily
- Katy Dore as Karen
Director
Randy Van Dyke
Other Movies Director is Known For
- Non-Stop to Comic-Con (2016)
- Cyanide & Happiness Shorts (2014-2018) – Web Series
Producer
Jeanette Vu, Randy Van Dyke
Writer
Randy Van Dyke
Budget
$500,000 (estimated)
Production Company
Bad Theology, Industry Standard Films
Running Time
94 minutes
Languages
English
Maturity Rating
NR (Not Rated) – Likely R due to violence and disturbing content
Content Advisory
- Intense violence
- Psychological distress
- Disturbing images
- Strong language
Movie Story
“Like Dogs” is a psychological horror-thriller that delves into the dark world of human experimentation and control. The film follows Lisa (Annabel Barrett), a young woman who is abducted and subjected to a harrowing behavioral experiment where she is treated like an animal, specifically a dog. As part of the experiment, Lisa is kept in captivity and forced to obey commands under threat of severe punishment. Her captors, led by the enigmatic Adam (Ignacyo Matynia), observe her every move, pushing her to the brink of sanity.
As Lisa endures the degrading treatment, she begins to unravel the true nature of the experiment. She discovers that she is not the only victim and that there may be a deeper, more sinister agenda at play. With the help of Nick (Ryan Tran), another subject who has been through the same torment, Lisa attempts to escape her captors and expose the horrific truth behind the experiments.
The film’s narrative explores themes of control, dehumanization, and the lengths to which people will go to exert power over others. “Like Dogs” is unsettling and intense, with its psychological horror rooted in the manipulation and abuse of its characters. As the story progresses, the film reveals shocking twists and disturbing revelations that challenge the characters’ understanding of reality and trust.
Special Effects
“Like Dogs” relies heavily on practical effects to create its disturbing atmosphere. The film’s use of minimal CGI enhances the realism of the characters’ torment, making the horror more visceral and unsettling. The stark, confined settings contribute to the claustrophobic and oppressive mood of the movie.
Box Office Performance
“Like Dogs” had a limited release, primarily available through digital platforms and on-demand services. It gained attention within the horror community for its intense and disturbing subject matter, though it remains a niche film due to its graphic content and psychological intensity.
Filming Locations
- Los Angeles, California, USA
Notable Quotes
- “They want to break us, to turn us into something we’re not.” – Lisa
- “Survival isn’t about being strong; it’s about being smart.” – Adam
Behind-the-Scenes
“Like Dogs” was directed by Randy Van Dyke, who also wrote and produced the film. Van Dyke aimed to create a horror-thriller that explores the psychological impact of extreme control and manipulation. The film’s low budget required a focus on practical effects and strong performances to convey the horror of the situation.
Awards
- N/A
Final Verdict
“Like Dogs” is a dark and disturbing psychological horror that effectively explores the horrors of human experimentation and control. While the film’s graphic content and intense themes may not be for everyone, it delivers a compelling narrative with twists that keep the viewer engaged. Annabel Barrett’s performance as Lisa stands out, capturing the fear and determination of a character fighting to retain her humanity in the face of dehumanization. For fans of psychological horror and films that push boundaries, “Like Dogs” offers a tense and unsettling experience.
IMDb Rating
4.0/10