Appalachian Dog

Appalachian Dog is a gripping and emotionally charged portrayal of reintegration after the war, set against the starkly ethereal but desolate scenery of Appalachia in 1946. The movie tracks the fortunes of Teddy Henry, a veteran of World War II, and his wife Marion, as they try to come to terms with their lives after trauma, displacement, and emotional dislocation. What distinguishes this movie is less its narrative and more the way it employs setting, sound, and muted character interaction to explore the oftentimes painful process of reconstituting normalcy after severe personal and communal dislocation.

Teddy's return from war is not as victor, but as vulnerability-his emotional wounds manifest as shakes that manifest not only on his physical body, but also symbolically impact his relationship with Marion. The two were once a seamless team working as tailor and seamstress, but their bond has been ruptured, both literally and symbolically, by Teddy's trauma. The disruption of their work mirrors the rift in their marriage, and this is where the film truly shines-its ability to illustrate, rather than spell out, exactly how irreparably war can mark even the deepest and most intrinsic aspects of a person's life.

Marion's unyielding resilience is another critical area of attention of the film. As Teddy is no longer available to assist them in running their tailoring business, Marion turns to their neighbors for help. What begins as an act of pragmatism becomes increasingly entangled, as attachments are formed, boundaries are crossed, and secrets are disclosed. These episodes are not played melodramatically with obvious conflict but seethe just beneath the surface, and a gentle tension builds slowly over the course of the movie. The emotional landscape is as harsh and unpredictable as the landscape of Appalachia, once more an echo of the psychological turbulence of the characters.

The most obvious stylistic choice is the absence of the traditional musical score in the movie. What fills the soundtrack is the ambient sound of the place-wind rustling through leaves, distant animal calls, and the creak of wooden floorboards. This option adds a disconcerting layer of realism and depth, making the setting almost akin to a living, breathing character. It draws the viewer in towards the emotional weight of the story and roots the drama in a sense like real, palpable reality.

The acting is another strong point. The lead actors bring depth and nuance to their roles, capturing the complex mixture of hope, bitterness, longing, and confusion that all too frequently typifies life after the war. Teddy's inner turmoil is suggested as much by his behavior as by dialogue, and Marion's despair and toughness are measured in a performance that never falls into cliche. The chemistry between them is palpable even when they are far apart, and it is this contained yet dynamic acting that makes them so deeply affecting.

Also adding to the richness of the film is a subtle, but challenging, examination of queer identity. Never in the forefront, these undertones provide a new level of complexity to the themes of alienation and self-discovery. The film avoids sensationalizing, instead allowing these themes to develop naturally and with respect within the larger framework of identity, love, and survival.

Ultimately, Appalachian Dog is a superbly controlled and affecting drama. It transcends the typical "homecoming" movie in that it showcases how the experience of coming back from war impacts not only the warrior, but everyone around him. It's a meditation on change-forced and self-imposed-and the precarious hope that comes with trying to rebuild what's been lost. With its heavy atmosphere, real performances, and understated narrative, this is a strong and valuable addition to the canon of post-war cinema.

Where to begin? First, the story is captivating, the acting superb, and the cinematography breathtaking.

The film was written and directed by Colin Henning. Henning also starred in the film, along with Georgia Morgan, Hayleigh Hart Franklin, and Brooke Elizabeth.

From the first scene of the movie, I found myself transported back to a simpler time in beautiful 1946 Appalachia. The setting of this movie is gorgeous.

The story is about a man who returns from war to find that life back home has moved on without him, and he must determine if there is still a place for him.

The path the storyline takes is unexpected at times, yet believable and compelling. I felt myself holding my breath at times because of the tension in even the most ordinary situations - thanks to the editing and sound; the droning of the wind, the crashing of the river - it was all very unsettling and suspenseful. I highly recommend this film if you're looking for something intense and unexpected!

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.

I watched Appalachian Dog over the weekend after purchasing it on Amazon Prime, and I was thoroughly impressed. Not only were the performances outstanding, but the film was beautifully shot and edited. Colin Henning-director, writer, and star of the film-masterfully captures the raw emotions of characters struggling to adjust to life in a post-war world.

Georgia Morgan, Hayleigh Hart Franklin, and Brooke Elizabeth round out the principal cast, each delivering a standout performance. Excited to see what's next from the rising production company, C. H. Squared Films!

The film is also available on several streaming platforms, including Tubi (which is free)!

Writing reviews is hard for me because I don't want to affect the viewer's spontaneous enjoyment of a movie unfolding itself unhindered by opinions, spoilers, and general TMI...and so I'm mindful of that. I recommend this movie. It's one of my favorite indies. Importantly, there is no distraction by the lack of a big budget. For that, I commend the production team and cast. Appalachian Dog explores relationships and sexuality through the story of a perfectly squirrelly man, home from a difficult stint at war, and his passively-overbearing wife. They are young and in love/ and in lust/ and in like, and forging their way with/ and around/ and through their circle of closest people. If you own clutching pearls, don't assume this film isn't for you. You are exactly who stands to gain the most.