Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight

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Gwenn The acting was astonishing! The subject, setting riveting. The sociopolitical context illuminating. I will now read the memoir on which this is based! More, please. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/12/25 Full Review K K Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight is a thrilling, intense, romantic, dramatic masterpiece. This is one of the best films I have watched in many, many years. If this is Embeth Davidtz's directorial debut, I can only imagine what the future holds: greatness. For now, Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight merits much discussion and a few giveaways. While Wes Anderson is the Picaso, Van Gogh-style director, a master: Embeth Davidtz is a Monet and Manet master in film. Never forget the medium of films, where masters can come to play. I am so grateful to have taken in both of these directors in recent days. While their artwork might not be appreciated by the masses, rest assured one is looking at expertise in film making when watching Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight. The flow, the visionary camera scope, the lightening, the grasping of angles, details, the unfolding of the story with a unique point of view and perspective is so impressive by Davidtz. I have not been this excited about a director in some time! The directors have greater assets than the actors. WOW. Let's talk about these actors. Lexi Venter as Alexandra "Bobo" Fuller Embeth Davidtz as Nicola Fuller Zikhona Bali as Sarah Fumani Shilubana as Jacob Rob Van Vuuren as Tim Fuller Anina Reed as Vanessa Fuller Davidtz knew exactly what to do with each to get the best performance and stay in line with the story by Alexandra Fuller. Davidtz did the screenplay. Alexandra Fuller's story is so authentic as it is based on her own journey! While "Bobo", the nickname for Alexandra Fuller, is the star and perspective how the story is told, from Bobo's journey, perfectly played by Lexi Venter. Yet I try to stay respectful and not go into too much discussion when a minor is involved. Yet Venter, whether she knows it or not, gave an acting showcase. Exhibiting the journey of a child going through so much, too much, perhaps. Yet this is life at times. Again, I try not to give too much praise or critique when a minor is involved. As a child, deserves arm-length discussions and I hope the best of the journey Venter is now on! Embeth Davditz not only directed and wrote the screenplay but also starred as Nicola Fuller, the mother of Bobo. WOW. Talk about an actress at the peak of her profession, mastering all the elements of acting. Exhibiting the nuances and the frank nature of the character, Nicola Fuller. At times, I loved Nicola Fuller, and her passion for the farm, and her determination. Then other times I disliked how she put the farm ahead of her own family. Davidtz drew me in by showcasing all the human frailties of Nicola Fuller, from alcohol, to the loss of a child, to being, on one hand, a wonderful parent to the other, neglecting and perhaps to some degree, abusing her children (not directly with words or hands) but neglect and putting too much responsiblity on their laps. Including the care of another child whose journey severely impacted Boba. Davidtz's performance is the best leading lady acting performance I have seen in a good 25 years. Davidtz shows what a lead actress is and who needs to be holding the Oscar, SAG and other leading awards. Again, I have not seen such an acting performance in many, many years! Davidtz's range is incredible, from emotional highs, to passions, to lows and almost emotional breakdown. The rest of the cast in supporting roles were fantastic and as needed. Rob Van Vuuren as Tim Fuller, the husband of Nicola Fuller and dad of Bobo delivers. From the distance dad to the dad who ultimately the hero, stopping his wife, Nicola Fuller, from taking them all down with a "sinking ship". For in her quest for the farm, Nicola would sacrifice all of them: knowingly or not, her obsession was ahead of everyone else best interest, including her own sanity by staying at the farm. Tim Fuller is ultimately the true hero. The heroine in many regards is Zikhona Bali as Sarah. Yes, "the Queen" who does turn and finally gives the acknowledgment Bobo had been searching for. Showing family comes not just in blood but choices of who we let in as family. Amazing performance by Bali! Anina Reed, as the sister of Bobo, is Vanessa Fuller and delivers an excellent supporting role, playing the moody older sister, confused by things and wanting to perhaps have a more typical teenage life. Including dealing with "Sexual" harassment, a small but powerful sub-plot in this movie. The music choices were excellent and added to the story and the moments of the characters. I have not been this impressed by a movie in a very very very long time. Thank you for creating such a masterpiece. Regardless of the money made and awards obtained, this movie will stand the test of time and be considered a phenomenal creation! Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/12/25 Full Review Russell F A superb, rich and detailed portrayal of a child's perspective of a fascinating era, without artifice or pretension. The perfect antidote to synthetic summer blockbusters. Note: I subscribe to AMC A-List, so my reviews will never be called "Verified" in Rotten Tomatoes' limited assessment. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/11/25 Full Review Read all reviews

Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight

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