My quick rating – 4.9/10. Don’t let the title or ominous-looking poster fool you, The Dogs isn’t really a “when pets go bad” type of horror flick. Despite a few gnarly canine appearances and plenty of barking, this low-budget thriller is more of a domestic drama wrapped in a soft layer of supernatural mystery. If you were hoping for another savage survival romp like The Pack, you’re barking up the wrong tree.
The story follows Cameron (Donovan Colan), a teenage boy on the run from his abusive father alongside his mother, played by Kathleen Munroe (who you may recognize from Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent). The pair takes refuge in a remote countryside farmhouse, hoping to start fresh. But of course, in true horror fashion, the house has a dark past, and apparently, some leftover ghostly baggage.
Despite the title, the dogs aren’t really the focus here. They’re more atmospheric than threatening, with most of their impact coming through ominous barking and the occasional glowing-eyed jump scare. In fact, The Dogs is less a creature feature and more of a low-boil haunting tale with the abusive ex looming in the background as the most tangible danger. There’s even the obligatory creepy neighbor/landlord who, shocker, knows all about the cursed history of the place but keeps it conveniently vague until it’s almost too late.
What holds the film together is the emotional core between Cameron and his mother. Their attempts to rebuild their lives provide some grounding, even if the dialogue sometimes feels like it was ripped from a Hallmark drama. Cameron’s school life, his budding friendship with a mysterious kid who knows more than they are letting on, and his mom’s cautious flirtation with a local all add threads to the story—some more worthwhile than others.
Visually, the film has a very “made-for-TV in the ‘90s” feel. The cinematography is serviceable but uninspired, and the credits look like they were thrown together with free editing software. Still, there’s a certain charm to its throwback vibes, and if you’re the kind of viewer who grew up watching horror-lite thrillers on Sunday nights, there’s some nostalgic appeal.
Ultimately, The Dogs doesn’t break new ground, and I didn’t feel any lasting impressions. But once you recalibrate your expectations away from killer dog chaos and toward ghost story meets family drama, there’s just enough mystery and mild suspense to make it watchable. Just don’t expect to be scared unless you’ve got a phobia of off-screen barking.
There are several streaming options to choose from, including Amazon.