The Year of the Dog (2022) User Reviews

small indie

[SnoopyStyle · 5/10 · 31 March 2024]

Matt (Rob Grabow) is an alcoholic struggling to get clean. His mother sent him a letter with her dying wish to see him sober. His native American friend Fred (Michael Spears) offers him a 30 day stay at an isolated ranch. He encounters a stray husky.

This is a small time indie. The start has some promise. I like the little discussion between Fred and Matt about the Braves. It's a solid non-direct way to reveal the characters and it's a little funny. It's probably the last interesting scene. While I love a good doggal, that's not enough for a full length movie. Grabow is doing three jobs in this. He's a fine actor. Maybe he's a good writer, but his directing is rather lackluster.

The loyal dog

[wvfempwolford · 1/10 · 3 September 2023]

I enjoyed the film, well done, acting good, and story of overcoming addiction, reasons for such addictive behavior explored and explained. The introduction of the dog as a companion and inspiration for living and overcoming was a valid story point. But...the dog was seriously ill. At the vet, not even sure it would survive, yet!, was entered into a serious pulling competition while having its stomach wrapped in order to avoid a relapse. Then all cheers and kudos to the dog and owner for winning. What was the point of putting the loyal dog through that, really? I realize it's a metaphor for the young man's overcoming addiction, but this, in the end, is a form of animal abuse. The dog was so loyal to the point of death. Unnecessary.

Promising Elements, Subpar Results

[kurt_henricks · 4/10 · 21 December 2023]

I wanted to like this movie more. It feels like a labor of love and surely took some extraordinary efforts to get made. It was however heartbreaking to see that it was very poorly shot. Montana's beauty suffers unartful framing and desaturated grading. The interiors evoke the look of overhead fluorescent lighting. I thought this look and feel was going to shift when the dog is introduced. IOW the stark horrible look of the beginning would set up a contrast with a more hopeful and loving lushness at some point. No. It stays terrible.

Directing yourself in a film is tough for anyone. It is two huge and important jobs at once. Michael Spears gives a very good performance. The use of singles hurts the integrity of the drama. It breaks the tension between the characters by putting them in separate shots. The editing is also an issue as the cuts come right before a line starts. Better would have been to keep the camera on whichever character had the most to react to or convey visually or use more 2-shots.

Passion for the subject and the story came through despite the shortcomings. I hope the team will try again.

Thoughtful Story and Awesome Dog!

[NancyBevins · 10/10 · 27 March 2023]

Love the cast and crew of this show, who put their heart into a scrambling production. Fighting weather and other setbacks they powered on.

I love working with Rob and the blue eyed pup stole my heart.

The locations were dynamic and everyone was so good to our show, opening their doors and arms. It was a long haul for me, and had to move onto other shows, but what I experienced was magic.

Would recommend everyone watch this show.... I know many alcoholics and their stories are heartbreaking. Including knowing a few who didn't make it.... so sad. My hope is they all find the light and walk toward freedom from addiction.

Vulnerable and Intelligent

[lillianrodriguezsagaftra · 10/10 · 28 March 2023]

There's a lot to love about this movie - maybe my favorite thing is that it explores male vulnerability with other men, which is something we rarely see in the movies. I believe that's something we all benefit from witnessing. And this movie has several scenes where you so deeply feel for the pain the lead character Matt, beautifully played by Rob Grabow, is going through. And you just want him to make it through!

I also love the doggies! They are so cute and it's a lot of fun to watch Matt bond with his new Husky friend. The Husky is actually a real life rescue and this film started his entertainment career which is a cool behind the scenes detail.

The most beautiful part of the movie though is that it is about connection. The importance of our connection with the ones we love when we're struggling and suffering. It's a very meaningful look at the struggle of living with addiction and working to get sober and will resonate so strongly with anyone who has struggled with or knows someone who has struggled with addiction. Go see it!!!!

Power of Trust and Love in a Great Recovery Story

[jjunebrown · 10/10 · 29 March 2023]

I loved watching The Year of the Dog and going through all the extreme emotions with the main characters in this great story.

The film is about developing trust and love after deep losses, classic man versus himself conflict. And a great rescue dog. It was so realistic I did not want it to end.

Wonderful sensitive performances from the lead actor (and writer) Rob Grabow, and amazing actors Michael Spears and Jon Proudstar who are Native American. You will find history and strength and wisdom in their words.

I learned a lot about sled dogs and dog psychology that I did not know before, even though I grew up with a best friend dog - a German Shepherd mix not unlike the dog in the movie - and am a lifelong dog lover. The movie star dog is a stray Husky underdog (and was a rescued abandoned dog in real life too), like the fictional main human character says of himself in the trailer. He is a man estranged from his own family and recovering from alcohol addiction.

Watching the relationship grow between the headstrong dog and the equally obstinate man, who starts out clueless about dogs, was a delight. A few moments of the film are burned in my memory, one when the Husky and recovering alcohol nap together is so peaceful.

Montana is beautiful in the movie. I had never been there or seen dog sledding before, but it is really remote. Watching the movie in theaters at the Village East in New York City, I was transported to a wilder cleaner place. The music in the movie is original and lovely. I hope this comes out on streaming sites so I can watch it again.

At some scenes I laughed, but I also cried. As a reviewer here said, bring tissues. Recovery from alcoholism is a tough road to watch. I had alcoholics in the extended family and I wish they had had friends and a dog like this to bring them love and hope.

I highly recommend The Year of the Dog to viewers!

A Heartwarming Story of a Man in Recovery and a Dog

[alisongraham-11645 · 10/10 · 21 March 2023]

I loved The Year of the Dog! Beautifully shot in Montana in winter, the snowy mountains make a magnificent background for the story of Matt (played by Rob Grabow), an alcoholic whose recovery journey leads him to a chance encounter with stray husky. Matt convinced that he needs the husky for his goal to stay sober for 30-days (his mother's dying wish), adopts the dog and names him Yup'ik. The man-dog bond is delightful to watch. And yes, the husky (played by rescue, Caleb) is a scene-stealer. Grabow who also wrote, produced, and co-directed the film, cast an an accomplished group of film and television actors, including two prominent Indigenous actors: Jon Proudstar (veteran of over 50 films and TV series, including Hulu's Reservation Dogs) and Lakota actor Michael Spears (Dances with Wolves, Reservation Dogs, and 1923), an incredible group of military veterans in both cast and crew roles, as well as a glorious array of dogs. Sit back and enjoy The Year of the Dog -- but be sure to have a box of tissues nearby.

Soul Stirring and Heartwarming tale of Hope

[bakyalakshminisha · 10/10 · 13 July 2023]

'The Year of the Dog' is a touching and inspiring film that explores the transformative power of the human-animal bond.

The performances in the movie are outstanding, with the actors delivering heartfelt and authentic performances. The cinematography captures the emotional depth of the story, showcasing the bond between man and dog.

The cinematography and soundtrack further enhance the emotional depth of the film. The visuals beautifully capture the unspoken language between humans and animals, emphasizing the power of non-verbal communication and the healing energy that emanates from these relationships. The music perfectly complements the narrative, evoking a range of emotions and immersing the audience in the characters' journeys.

A Powerful Montana Story

[heather-03815 · 10/10 · 21 April 2023]

I live in Montana and am a huge fan of real Montana stories. And this one does a terrific job of capture not only the aesthetic sweeping landscapes of our state, but also some of the more nitty gritty underbelly.

The acting is outstanding. I really loved seeing Native American actors playing no stereotypical roles, they seemed to be human beings first and foremost, which was incredibly refreshing. The female lead, Julie, was also outstanding and complete natural.

The dog too is obviously amazing.

More than anything this film hits, powerfully, emotionally. I'm going to sitting this this one for a while...

Incredible file

[melaniecarrion · 10/10 · 13 March 2023]

Had the honor of seeing this film this evening. Shows the very personal side of someone struggling with addiction while having so many powerful reasons to stay sober.

I loves a the entire movie but two power pieces for me was the need that we all have for connection. Someone struggling to stay sober and has a friend that keeps showing up. I love this and the truth behind it, so often there is someone that never gives up and just allows the person struggling to be themselves find themselves heal. That person doesn't always do the absolute right thing but they keep showing up.

Second piece for me as an animal lover but also someone who understands connection to something or someone else might be the only thing that keeps us going. The pup was that. The relationship precious and so important.

Touching story

[ccasas-22587 · 10/10 · 17 March 2023]

This movie hit a nice balance between sweet, poignant, and thought provoking. As someone who's been affected by addiction in my life and relationships, I connected with the character Matt, and the arc of his redemption was uplifting. Great acting and filmography for an indie flick and I enjoyed seeing some native actors that I recognize! Better music, plot, and scenery than most of the feature films that are put out recently and this one just feels a little bit more authentic and less manufactured. Not exactly a movie for the kids but probably something I'd watch with my kids in a few years when they hit high school. The dog is super cute too 😁

Truth Of "One Day At A Time"

[buschmt-86298 · 10/10 · 6 May 2023]

This film displays the amazing determination of a lonely man wanting so desperately to find himself outside of a bottle. It truly shows how the daily struggle to survive is so real. Finding any purpose when one feels so alone and lost is a tragedy that the majority of humanity faces. Highly recommend if you, yourself, are searching for a reason to carry on. This file is an incredible story of resistance and the courage to take, "One Day At A Time"!

Finally, as a local to where this film was shot, the writer / director / producer captured the beauty of the state of Montana and the town.

Am so excited to share this film around the world!!

A Powerful Montana Film

[thegrabow · 10/10 · 29 May 2023]

I am a third Generation Montanan and this movie filmed near my hometown of Livingston, Montana. It featured a church my father helped to build which is included in the Robert Redford film, a River Runs Through It.

I worked in the addictions field for many years including in a women's prison and this story is a pretty accurate portrayal of addiction and some of the patternings that can follow. The relationship between Matt's character and his sponsor was so touching to me.

I also thought the way Yup'ik was depicted was in keeping with my own experience of raising Siberian huskies -- they are escape artists, extremely stubborn, and more toward the feral end of dog breeds, but they so loving and absolutely worth it, and true life changing.

Deeply moving

[joenewstrom · 10/10 · 29 May 2023]

As someone who has seen the effects of addiction in the lives of those I love, this film was very deeply impactful to me.

Filmmaker Rob Grabow does a fantastic job becoming Matt, the protagonist, who struggles with the loss of his father, the separation from his mother, and consequences of his alcoholism. This brings the film in with an uncommon gravity that allows the character of Fred (played by Michael Spears) to help ground the plot in the core struggle between addiction and self discipline.

As the film progresses, we are introduced to Yupik (played by a gorgeous Husky named Caleb, I'm told), and with the positive energy that he brings, the film delves into themes of healing, self-discovery, and restoration of the human spirit.

Great Story About Beginning to Trust Again

[egolnar · 10/10 · 30 May 2023]

This film, beautifully written and shot, is a meaningful story about a struggling alcoholic who meets a rescue dog with a special ancestry that allows the two of them to forge a special bond, one that ultimately proves healing to both of them.

It's not a huge principal cast, five characters, but ensemble casting works well. And for an independent film with many unknown actors, the acting is very believable. It sometimes feels almost like a documentary -- I read that in another review and that resonates with my experience as well. The two indigenous lead actors Michael Spears and Jon Proudstar really give amazing performances.

I saw the film twice when it played in New York and I got teary eyed both times. It was better than I expected and would highly recommend it for someone looking for an inspiring independent film that has a rhythm and feel all its own.

I also thought the dog, Yup'ik added important comedic relief and also a really cool bond with his human counterpart.

Wonderful story, really well told

[jvanduck · 9/10 · 30 May 2023]

Check out this small movie that plays big with your heart strings in a really good way. An underdog story about two of societies cast offs who help each other succeed. Beautiful scenery with a huge Montana backdrop. Created by locals of the shooting locations, it doesn't get much better than this. The directing, writing and acting are all solid and the story is well told. Really draws you in and gets you rooting for both troubled souls. The year of the dog uses a little known dog training discipline to great effect, presenting something rarely seen on screen. If you're looking for a solid drama set in a stunning location, check this movie out.

Heartwarming in a cold Montana

[chemaly · 10/10 · 11 March 2023]

The script is very well written. Absolutely loved the little surprise twists and the poetry part. Matt transmitted a powerful emotional rollercoaster that comes along with addiction.

The landscape is gorgeous, the dog is adorable, and I can honestly say I learned my bit about dog competitions in the snow.

So many facets to enjoy the movie (including the score) - I want to say every year can be the year of the dog!

During the opening in New York, I learned that the movie supported dog shelters through donations across the country - another way to truly make it the year of the dog.

TLDR: Heartwarming in the snow, you will enjoy it.

Feel Good movie of the decade

[melanierwendt · 10/10 · 29 May 2023]

Without spoilers; this is one of the top indie/feel good films I've seen in the past decade. The acting and directing truly show the heart of all that worked on the film. It leaves you feeling like you can work on yourself, even if life throws hurdle after hurdle.

It's a story of true love and devotion, and how love can show in many different forms. It is a piece about finding the best in yourself, even if that means looking for outside help. It shows you're never too gone to find someone who will always be there for you, even if that someone is a furry- four footed friend.

10/10 definitely recommend.

A Beautiful Montana Film About Connection

[paradisevalleypictures · 10/10 · 30 May 2023]

The Year of the Dog is a beautiful story about the opportunities the world presents to us to heal. The main character spends much of the film in struggle, but completely surrounded by beautiful expanses, not fully aware the miracle that abounded around him. It's a great less that the more we are willing to be vulnerable in relationship to those around us, the more we will attract many moments of meaningful connection with ourselves and others. I think the relationship between Yup'ik the dog and his human is particularly touching. I recommend that if you watch, have some Kleenex available, as you may cry a lot, but tears of joy. Also, the musical score is outstanding, and as alluded to above, the Montana setting is truly awe inspiring.

Great film with a picturesque backdrop

[rmwinfrey · 10/10 · 17 June 2023]

This film is such a real and encouraging story. I live in Montana and I love the way the beautiful scenery is captured in this film.

It may seem to move a bit slow in the beginning, but when the female lead comes in things really start to move and the two main characters have great chemistry.

It's a relatable story. Not everyone is an alcoholic, but we all have struggles and have to learn and grow from that and human connections is one of the main ways any of us successfully navigate life. The connection between the characters is one of the real and moving parts of this film. And the parallels between the dog and main character are always showing up throughout the film.

If you want to watch something heartwarming but steeped in the reality of life this movie is for you.

This film has heart!

[lakesprings · 10/10 · 30 May 2023]

I hope everyone gets a chance to watch this film. Alcoholism is a tough subject to tackle but this film navigates it well. The dynamic of animals helping humans and humans helping animals is very real, and this film brings that to life. I grew up in the state of Montana where this film was shot and I have to say, there is something healing about the landscape and wilderness of the state and this film captures some of that. Also, culturally I think this film investigates some of the struggles that rural Montana dishes out. This film navigates those hardships well, like the extreme weather, the history and heritage of the different cultures in the state, and the small town heroes that bridge the gaps between those different cultures and creates a mutual understanding through shared hardships. The film has an authenticity and small town realism that few films ever really capture. The Year of the Dog film from it's production to it's message has nothing but heart.

I loved every minute of it.

[maddawgturgeon · 10/10 · 14 September 2023]

I had minimal expectations of this movie I didn't know one actor or anyone associated with it.

This is one of the most beautiful little movies I've ever seen.

If you are willing to take your time and go on the journey you will be rewarded.

The pace is on the slower side but I enjoyed that the story felt organic and I don't think it needed to rush.

This is a movie about addiction,loss,perseverance and ultimately love.

The cinematography was more than anything I expected.

I genuinely cared what happened to these individuals and the dog is beautiful but not the focal point of the story.

This movie is far superior to the Channing Tatum Dog movie and I hope people give it their time.

It's not as heavy as it sounds and there are moments of unexpected humor which I really felt balanced the gravity of the situation.

I noticed three of the reviews for this movie are for a different movie.

This movie does not have Laura dern and it's unfortunate and I hope that doesn't deter people from watching it.

There must be some confusion somewhere but this movie gets 100% on rotten tomatoes and deserving so.

"We Don't Leave Things Broken"

[montanafamily-33130 · 10/10 · 20 May 2023]

This line of the movie really captures the heart of it. It comes at a poignant point of the film and is really it's central message and theme.

No matter how hard things thing, we stay engaged. And for anyone who has suffered from Mental Illness or spent time around people who struggle with addiction knows, sometimes connecting fully with the desire to change can't be the biggest obstacle.

I think the film does a good job a tracing the moments that Matt feels aggrieved and misunderstand and nails the personal inner experience of someone struggling, and how they receive the world, often as abrasive and harsh.

It's fascinating because all of the while Matt is enduring emotional pain, there is the extraordinarily beautiful Montana background around him. There is something to that work exploring.

Matt's journey and Yupik's journey and Fred and Greg and Julie are simple in some senses but can also be read into more deeply as tales of finding profundity in simplicity. A raw, almost documentary feeling indie film well worth a watch.

Fun to watch - Touching and real

[hanleyfamily-36279 · 10/10 · 29 May 2023]

Loved watching this movie - it's touching and funny at the right moments (which can be hard to pull off given the subject matter of recovery). I've known my share of people struggling with addiction and the on-screen portrayal of Matt's journey is done with care and sensitivity in this movie. I appreciate that there was no shock value added - it's simply raw and real emotions driving Matt towards confronting his addiction. The cast was phenomenal and I loved watching Rob Grabow, Michael Spears and Jon Proudstar on screen. The dog was also great - lots of dogs in this movie, which can't be wrong. I'd recommend this film to anyone looking for a beautiful and wholesome story about recovery with some laughs and triumph along the way.

Heartfelt film about connection

[hthanley · 10/10 · 29 May 2023]

The Year of the Dog is so well done. Such a great reminder that community and connection make overcoming adversity seem possible. Watching Matt insolation and his transformation once Yupik is introduced is pretty great for the soul. Filmed in Montana, the story has beautiful locations which only highlight Matt's broken story and then eventual triumph. There are some tough moments but also enough laughter and fun to make this an enjoyable and optimistic story. It was an interesting look into a world and sport that was totally new to me. I loved the dog, loved the scenery and was impressed with the acting. Well done.