Watch One Nation Under Dog: Stories of Fear, Loss & Betrayal

One Nation Under Dog: Stories of Fear, Loss & Betrayal is a documentary film that presents a sobering look at the emotional and societal impact of dogs in America. The film, directed by Jenny Carchman, Ellen Goosenberg Kent, and Amanda Micheli and released in 2012, explores the complex relationships between dogs and humans, revealing themes such as fear, loss, and betrayal.

The film is divided into three different sections that each portrays a different aspect of the human-dog relationship. The first section, titled 'Fear,' is a disturbing portrait of the dog-fighting underworld, where dogs are raised and trained to fight to death. The filmmakers take the audience deep into this criminal subculture, revealing the horrible cruelty and brutality inflicted on dogs forced to fight. Through interviews with former insiders and law enforcement agents, the documentary provides a disturbing insight into the world of dog-fighting and the economic, social, and cultural factors that sustain this violent activity.

The second section, 'Loss,' presents a moving depiction of the many ways in which dogs can weigh heavy on our lives - their death, disappearance, or separation can bring a sense of overwhelming grief and sadness. Through interviews with individuals who have experienced the death of their beloved pets, the documentary provides a glimpse into the profound emotional attachment that develops between humans and animals. The stories of these individuals demonstrate the impact of losing a pet and the ways coping with grief can vary broadly.

The third section, 'Betrayal,' offers a hard-hitting critique of the dog shelter system in America. The documentary exposes the struggles that shelters face in caring for the large number of abandoned dogs under their care. More than depicting the sad stories of neglect and abuse witnessed by shelter staff, the film also reveals how individuals and organisations attempt to tackle the issue, highlighting that authorities and voluntary efforts of pet lovers can go a long way.

One Nation Under Dog stands out as an elegantly crafted documentary, combining compelling stories with sharp cinematography, and an immersive sound experience. The visuals of the film capture both the beauty and the violence surrounding humans' relationship with dogs, from the serene landscapes of dog parks to the sights of terrible abuse inflicted on dogs. The film's narrative is driven by interviews with pet owners, activists, shelter personnel, rescue teams, animal service officers, animal trainers, veterinarians, and even former dog-fighters. These interviews are eloquently assembled, giving a sense of coherence and fluidity to the complex and multifaceted themes explored.

While the film's portrayal of the subject matter can feel highly emotive at times, it never feels manipulative or over-sentimental. The documentaries' varied stories leave a lasting visceral impact on the audience, forcing them to reflect on the broader human dog relationship within their personal experiences.

Overall, One Nation Under Dog: Stories of Fear, Loss & Betrayal is a significant achievement in documentary filmmaking concerning America's intricate relationship with the animal. The film delivers a powerful message, demanding that we reflect on our responsibilities to care for dogs and highlighting the need for social change. It is a compelling and ultimately heartbreaking story about the failings of a society to recognise the importance of the bond between human beings and dogs.

One Nation Under Dog: Stories of Fear, Loss & Betrayal is a 2012 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 12 minutes.