bilal b
Appalachian Dog, A film about trying to get back to a life of normalcy after experiencing a life-changing event and finding out that rejecting your newly found desires and self-discoveries are harder to ignore than expected. Reality often hits the hardest to those who reject it the longest and in this film that point is portrayed quite poetically – using sewing and threads as an allegory to represent the idea of trying to mend a relationship that’s slowly ripping apart. These attempts, however, go against the nature of our characters and we are taken on an emotional journey as we see the characters struggling to face each other as they try to keep everything from ripping apart like a piece of fabric that’s been stretched beyond its capacity. Of course, nothing goes according to plan as the cloth gets torn apart just as the truth starts slipping out and the true feelings of our characters towards each other are revealed. However, that might not be as bad of an ending as you might think, with the characters each accepting the other for who they truly are and that even though they are torn, they can still exist as two pieces cut from the same fabric.
To start off, I would like to appreciate and applaud the cinematography of this film. The breathtaking stills, the well thought out framing of each scene and the abstract shots which very well convey the feeling that needs to be. The shots of the stunning landscape of the Appalachian hills transport you right to the film’s location and instantly make you feel warm and cozy feeling like nothing else. The lighting/ color grading in each shot was also very relaxing on the eyes and not at all straining or exhausting to look at. My one critique, however, would be directed towards the sound design. There were multiple shots in the film where it was more than obvious that the dialogue had been dubbed over as the audio didn’t seem to exactly match the actors’ lip movements and sounded a bit off compared to the other scenes surrounding it. The actors also deserve recognition for their amazing work, being able to properly convey every emotion to near perfection, I personally was very touched by the facial expressions and acting of nearly every cast member. Clearly a truly talented cast had been chosen for this very special film. Overall, the film was extremely beautifully shot and well-made.
Finally, to end things off, I felt as though the setting chosen for this kind of sexual exploration and self-discovery film was quite unique. Using a man’s time spent in war surrounded by sexually frustrated men as a way to explain his true feelings coming out and how he managed to survive without his wife all those 5 years and same for the wife who was going through a similar situation but instead surrounded by women is genuinely one of the more unique takes I’ve seen in this genre. This film was more of a self-discovery film than a romance and could easily pass as a documentary or biopic of sorts seeing as how realistic and well-written it was. I, myself am not the biggest fan of romance films so this film was quite a pleasant surprise and I thoroughly enjoyed it from beginning to end, seeing the quarrel between each of the cast members and how they try their best to hide the truth and their true feelings from one another as a desperate attempt to bring things back to normal as they were before the war. And as it happens in real life, things don’t remain hidden forever and reality often makes its way through, revealing each person for who they truly are and what they feel and despite all that our husband and wife come to terms with their true nature and accept the fact that although there is no thread that can stitch them together, they will always be a part of the same cloth and that there is beauty in that
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
05/26/25
Full Review
Nadia E
"Appalachian Dog" unfolds like a quiet storm, aching, lyrical, and steeped in the haunted beauty of post-war Appalachia. Colin Henning crafts a world where silence speaks volumes and every glance carries the weight of what’s been lost. The chemistry between Henning and Georgia Morgan is raw and intimate, capturing a love frayed by time and trauma. The supporting cast, especially Hayleigh Hart Franklin and Brooke Elizabeth, add layers of warmth and quiet tension. With painterly cinematography and a haunting score, the film lingers in misty hollers and dimly lit rooms, letting the story breathe. It’s not just a drama, it’s a mournful meditation on memory, disconnection, and the quiet violence of returning home.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
05/26/25
Full Review
Mc c
“Appalachian Dog” is a hauntingly lyrical journey through the rugged heart of the American South in the shadow of World War II. Set against a backdrop of decaying farms, smoky hollers, and slow-burning secrets, this Southern Gothic drama evokes a raw sense of love, loss, and longing. The film’s atmosphere is thick with melancholy, beautifully captured through rich cinematography and a brooding, evocative score. Performances are quietly powerful, especially from the leads, whose restrained chemistry lends aching realism to their fractured romance. With its deliberate pacing and emotional undercurrents, Appalachian Dog doesn’t just tell a story—it immerses you in a world where love clings like the mist, heavy and unforgettable. A poignant, poetic experience.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
05/20/25
Full Review
Tutor R
Just watched "Appalachian Dog" and the emotional intensity of the characters' struggles really struck me. The acting was phenomenal, particularly in the confrontations and quiet moments of vulnerability. The way Colin Henning framed the shots and built the atmosphere was captivating. Georgia Morgan, Hayleigh Hart Franklin, and Brooke Elizabeth brought such depth to their roles, making their journeys after the war so compelling.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
05/18/25
Full Review
Rehan A
I did not know what to expect when I picked up ‘Appalachian Dog’; the 2025 period drama from Colin Henning. Maybe I liked its poster or maybe its title gave me a sense of wonder. What began as a slow descent into an exploration of love and connection transformed into something else entirely by the time the credits rolled. I took some time to process what I had seen and then it hit me, what I had seen was beautiful.
There is so much to appreciate in this film and yet, I will not be able to do it justice (you will have to see the film for yourself, dear viewer). From the characters to their subtle nuances, Henning knows to craft a story. This is a film that explores the volatile and fiery links between relationships and desires and how the two lead to unintended consequences. Set in isolation, the story is a basket case of how specific circumstances affect complex human lives.
Colin Henning both writes and directs this feature and I had no idea this was his first foray into directing until I went on the internet later. From the narrative heft to perfectly paced editing, Henning directs the story like a maestro. He knows when to push the story in first gear and when to hold back, allowing the audience to truly take in the emotional beats.
The acting is fantastic as each actor manages to infuse their character with the authenticity needed. In the technical realm, the film manages to soar above and beyond. The cinematography is stunning; with Henning making sure to use both lighting and colors to add another layer to the story. The editing is great as well, making the film a joy to sit through.
Deftly combining humor and tension, Appalachian Dog manages to deeply explore the nuance of relationships and desire and how these two work both in tandem and in conflict with one another. This film is a triumph and it managed to move me, impress me and give me a deep sense of wonder as to how we don't truly appreciate the complexities of human relationships. I loved every second of Appalachian Dog and I cannot recommend this film enough.
Rated 4.5/5 Stars •
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
05/14/25
Full Review
Briella W
Appalachian Dog is a haunting, slow-burn drama that lingers long after the credits roll. The atmosphere is raw and grounded, with every silence and glance carrying real emotional weight. The lead performances are exceptional—subtle, restrained, and deeply affecting. It’s not a film driven by action, but by mood, character, and quiet intensity. The rural setting enhances the story, adding a layer of authenticity and tension. This is a film for those who appreciate storytelling that takes its time and earns every moment. Highly recommended for fans of emotionally rich, character-driven cinema.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
05/13/25
Full Review
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