Watch Your Dog Likes Me More Than You

Your Dog Likes Me More Than You is a 2020 independent film that tells the story of a man named Ben, played by Ian Hoffman, who returns home to the Midwestern suburbs to deal with the aftermath of his mother's death. He is greeted by his childhood friend, Patrick, played by Patrick Penta, who has taken care of Ben's dog, Wolfgang, for the past six months.

As the title suggests, Wolfgang seems to prefer Patrick's company over Ben's, which leads to some tension between the old friends. Ben is going through a difficult period, struggling to come to terms with his mother's passing and feeling adrift in his life. He has left his job in California and doesn't know what he wants to do next. Meanwhile, Patrick is married and has a stable job, but feels unfulfilled and trapped in his suburban existence.

The film explores the complex relationship between humans and animals, and how our pets can become surrogate family members. Wolfgang is a source of comfort and stability for both men, and provides a lens through which they can examine their own relationships with each other and with themselves. The dog is a neutral presence, but his silent presence serves as a reminder of the impermanence of life and the importance of cherishing those we love.

Your Dog Likes Me More Than You is a slow-paced, character-driven film that relies on naturalistic dialogue and understated performances. The cinematography is simple and unobtrusive, capturing the mundane details of suburban life in a way that feels authentic and familiar. There are no grand revelations or dramatic plot twists, but the film succeeds in creating a sense of emotional resonance and intimacy.

One of the film's strengths is the chemistry between the lead actors. Hoffman and Penta have a natural rapport that conveys their characters' long history and the unspoken bonds that tie them together. They are both convincing in their portrayal of men who are struggling to find their place in the world, but approach their struggles in different ways. While Ben is more overtly emotional and prone to outbursts, Patrick is more reserved and stoic, but his still waters run deep.

Another standout performance comes from Ben Wood, who plays Patrick's colleague and friend, Dave. Wood injects some much-needed humor and warmth into the film, and his scenes with Patrick provide a welcome respite from the weightier themes of loss and existential angst.

The film does have some flaws, however. At times it feels too aimless and meandering, and some viewers may find it hard to engage with the characters' problems without a more concrete sense of direction or resolution. Additionally, some of the dialogue can feel a bit forced or overly explanatory, as if the characters are speaking more for the audience's benefit than their own.

Overall, though, Your Dog Likes Me More Than You is a poignant and thoughtful meditation on grief, friendship, and the role animals play in our lives. It is a film that rewards patience and attention, and leaves a lasting impression long after the credits roll.

Your Dog Likes Me More Than You is a 2020 comedy with a runtime of 26 minutes.