Dogman

2025
Directors: Luc Besson
Starring: Caleb Landry Jones, Jojo T. Gibbs, Christopher Denham, and more

Luc Besson’s DogMan is a strange, chaotic, and oddly captivating ride, anchored by Caleb Landry Jones as Douglas—a hyper-religious, Shakespeare-quoting man in a wheelchair who can seemingly talk to dogs, loves drag, and has a knack for taking down gangs. Over his 40-year career, French director Luc Besson has been known for his wild imagination and bursts of brutal action—but DogMan, for him, is unexpectedly gentle. 

The film opens with Douglas, bloodied and in full Marilyn Monroe drag, driving a truckload of dogs before being arrested. Through sessions with psychologist Evelyn (Jojo T. Gibbs), we learn his harrowing backstory—raised in a dog cage by his abusive, fight-promoting father, rescued only by the unconditional love of his canine companions. His life unfolds in a whirlwind of tragedy, eccentricity, love affairs, and theatrical self-discovery.

Set against the bleak backdrop of Newark, the film plays with themes of disguise, identity, alienation, and possible queerness, layering them into its gritty yet absurd world. Besson leans into spectacle—especially in drag performance scenes—showcasing his flair for staging musical numbers with cinematic punch.

The tone swings between brutal violence and charming dog antics, creating a surreal mix that dares you to take it seriously while winking at its own over-the-top nature. Douglas’ uncanny bond with his dogs borders on supervillain territory, and yet, Jones makes him fiercely human—complex, unsettling, and deeply sympathetic.

Messy, bold, and brimming with gonzo energy, DogMan feels destined for cult status, the kind of film people will rediscover and debate for years. It’s bizarre, heartfelt, and occasionally baffling—but never boring.

It’s rated R for violence. It earned that. It’s just short of two hours, but for this reviewer, every minute was amazing and poignant. This film won’t be for everyone but I still recommend it.