Dog Gone (2023 film)

Dog Gone (2023 film)

Dog Gone is a 2023 American biographical drama film directed by Stephen Herek. It was released by Netflix on January 13, 2023.

Cast

Rob Lowe as John Marshall

Johnny Berchtold as Fielding Marshall

Kimberly Williams-Paisley as Ginny Marshall

Nick Peine as Nate

Savannah Bruffey as Peyton Marshall

Brian Brightman as Ginny's Dad

Holly Morris as Ginny's Mom

Soji Arai as Japanese Official

Annabella Didion as Julie

Daniel Annone as Doug

Movie Review

Fielding, a socially awkward college student, finds solace in adopting a yellow lab puppy named Gonker from the local pound after being rejected by a girl. The two develop an inseparable bond and spend the rest of Fielding's college career together, with Gonker even attending classes without a leash.

However, after college, Fielding finds himself without a direction in life, causing concern for his father, John. He moves back in with his parents and Gonker, only for the dog to be diagnosed with Addison's disease, requiring a life-saving shot every month.

During a hiking trip with his college friend, Gonker runs off chasing a fox and goes missing. The search for Gonker brings to the surface old emotional trauma for Fielding's mother, who was affected by the loss of her own dog, Oji, as a young girl. With the help of local and national newspapers, they search frantically for Gonker before his next shot is due in three weeks.

The stress of the search takes a toll on Fielding's health, leading to him being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and needing emergency surgery. The movie ends on a heartwarming note, with Gonker and Fielding both recovering and sleeping together in Fielding's hospital bed.

Throughout the story, Fielding's bond with Gonker and the impact the dog has on his life is highlighted, as well as the power of love, family, and perseverance in the face of adversity.

What message is given to the audience through this movie?

The message conveyed by this movie is that love can bring people and animals together, even in the toughest of times. It emphasizes the importance of perseverance, resilience, and the unbreakable bond between a person and their pet. The movie showcases the positive impact a single animal can have on a person's life, and how love and support from family and friends can help overcome even the toughest of obstacles.

Additionally, the story highlights the value of volunteer work and how it can bring purpose to someone's life. It encourages the audience to never give up on their dreams and to always hold on to hope, no matter how difficult the situation may seem. The story of Fielding and Gonker is a testament to the power of love and the transformative effect it can have on a person's life.

The movie also sheds light on the healing power of love and how it can help people overcome past traumas. Fielding's mother's healing journey serves as a reminder that it is never too late to start over and to find peace and happiness.

Moreover, the movie encourages us to appreciate and cherish the bond between people and their pets, as it is a unique and special relationship. It also stresses the importance of never giving up hope, even in the most difficult of circumstances. The search for Gonker brings people from all walks of life together, showcasing the power of community and the positive impact it can have on individuals.

In conclusion, the movie sends a powerful message about the transformative power of love, the importance of perseverance and resilience, and the impact a single animal can have on a person's life. It encourages us to cherish the special bond between people and their pets, to never give up hope, and to always hold on to the love and support of family and friends.