Appalachian Dog

Appalachian Dog is a beautifully crafted Southern Gothic drama that delves deep into the complexities of love, loss, and identity in post-World War II Appalachia. Directed, written, and led by Colin Henning, the film offers a poignant exploration of a man returning home to a world that has irrevocably changed.

Writer-director Colin Henning, who also stars as Teddy Henry, crafts a slow-burning narrative that delves into the complexities of post-war reintegration and shifting personal dynamics. Henning's portrayal of Teddy is nuanced, capturing the internal turmoil of a man out of sync with his surroundings. Morgan delivers a compelling performance as Marion, embodying a woman torn between duty and desire. Franklin's Peggie brings depth and authenticity, highlighting the societal challenges of the era.

The film's cinematography is a standout, with Aidan Macaluso capturing the Appalachian landscape in all its raw beauty. The use of natural lighting and ambient sounds immerses the viewer, creating an atmosphere that's both intimate and expansive.

While some critics have noted areas where the film could delve deeper into character backstories or streamline its narrative, Appalachian Dog stands as a powerful meditation on love, identity, and the struggle to reconnect with a world that no longer feels the same.

Appalachian Dog is a testament to the power of subtle storytelling, offering a rich tapestry of human emotion set against the backdrop of a changing world. Yes, the pacing is slow, but that's part of its strength. It allows space for reflection and immersion. If you appreciate character-driven stories with emotional depth and poetic visuals, this film is absolutely worth your time.

The narrative unfolds slowly, unhurried by modern pacing, which may not appeal to every viewer. Yet that deliberate rhythm feels authentic. It gives space for the silences to speak volumes.

Appalachian Dog is not merely a film; it's a mood, a place, a feeling. It invites you to sit with discomfort, reckon with history, and find the beauty in brokenness.

Appalachian Dog is a stirring exploration of post-war reintegration, set against the rugged backdrop of 1946 Appalachia. The movie masterfully depicts the tentative efforts of Teddy Henry, a war veteran, and his wife Marion to reconnect and re-establish their life and livelihood following the war wounds that have reshaped their relationship. The movie wisely calls out the way Teddy's war-related shake physiologically and metaphorically breaks the tailor-seamstress dyad, and Marion's reliance on neighbors to keep the business going introduces tension and secrets that quietly tear apart their past.

The film's strength is atmospheric storytelling and character study. The decision to abandon a conventional musical score for sounds natural enhances the immersion, rendering the foreboding Appalachian setting nearly an actor in its own right. The acting is strong, bringing to the screen a rich mix of yearning, wariness, and expectation that effectively conveys the toll of war on the emotional lives of all concerned. The muted, if subdued, wink towards queer undertones adds richness to the period drama without overwhelming the central narrative and its discussion of identity and belonging.

Finally, Appalachian Dog is an unflinching, beautifully controlled drama that expands the metaphor of "coming home" beyond the veteran and out to all those who are affected by his loss. It is an effective meditation on transformation, loss, and the fragile attempts to piece together a broken sense of home, and as such, it is a rich and reflective contribution to the post-war film canon.

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.

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 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)!