By Amy Nicholson, Film Critic
'Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight' is a bracing period drama that humanizes a childhood that sounds easy to hate. Set in 1980, the film follows 7-year-old Bobo Fuller (Lexi Venter) as she navigates her family's farm in Zimbabwe-Rhodesia, a country on the brink of civil war.
Bobo's family, white immigrants, are backing Bishop Abel Muzorewa, a Western-educated opponent of Robert Mugabe, who promises to return the land to Black Africans. The tension is palpable, with Bobo's parents, Tim (Rob Van Vuuren) and Nicola (Embeth Davidtz), on edge, and their local servants, Sarah (Zikhona Bali) and Jacob (Fumani Shilubana), caught in the middle.
The film is directed by Embeth Davidtz, who also adapted the screenplay from Alexandra Fuller's memoir of the same name. Davidtz brings a personal touch to the film, having grown up in apartheid-era South Africa.
Lexi Venter shines as Bobo, delivering a pitch-perfect performance that captures the innocence and ignorance of childhood. Her character's take on things is blunt and chipper, but also often wrong, leaving it up to the audience to read between the lines.
The film's strength lies in its ability to balance the dark undertow of the conflict with the carefree spirit of Bobo's childhood. The camerawork, by Willie Nel, uses horror-movie tropes to keep the audience on edge, while the soundtrack features tracks by Zimbabwean psych rock band Wells Fargo and Scottish bagpipe music.
Embeth Davidtz also stars in the film as Nicola, delivering a hot-blooded performance that captures the complexity of her character. Her character's connection to the land is deeply personal, and Davidtz brings a sense of authenticity to the role.
'Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight' is an enthralling watch, with outstanding performances from its cast. Even if you despise the Fullers on principle, the film is a gripping exploration of a tumultuous period in history.
Rated R for violent/bloody images, language, sexual assault, and some underage smoking/drinking. Running time: 1 hour, 38 minutes. Opens Friday, July 11 at Laemmle Royal and AMC Burbank 16.
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