Dog (2022 film)

The film follows Briggs (Tatum), a former Army Ranger who is tasked with transporting Lulu, a Belgian Malinois military working dog, to the funeral of her handler, who was Briggs's close friend. The journey becomes a series of misadventures as Briggs and Lulu, both dealing with trauma, learn to trust each other. The story was inspired by a real incident involving a military dog that attended its handler's funeral, and the filmmakers aimed to highlight the often-overlooked role of military working dogs and the challenges veterans face after service.²

Production took place in 2021, with filming locations including California and Nevada. Tatum and Carolin, who had previously collaborated on the film Magic Mike, sought to create a character-driven piece that balanced humor with serious themes. The dog, Lulu, was played by a Belgian Malinois named Britta, who was trained by veteran animal coordinator Mark Forbes.³

Critics praised Tatum's performance, noting his ability to convey vulnerability and charm, and the film's handling of PTSD and the bond between humans and animals. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 83% based on over 150 reviews, with the consensus calling it "a road-trip dramedy with a lot of heart."⁴ Audiences responded positively, and the film was noted for its emotional climax, which some critics found manipulative but effective.

The film also sparked discussions about the treatment of military working dogs and the lack of resources for veterans. Tatum and Carolin donated a portion of the film's proceeds to organizations supporting military veterans and animal welfare, including the K9s For Warriors program.⁵

One of the film's most notable behind-the-scenes facts is that the dog trainer, Mark Forbes, had previously trained the dogs in John Wick and Game of Thrones, and he used a combination of positive reinforcement and clicker training to work with Britta. The film also features a cameo by former NFL player and actor Terry Crews, who plays a veteran who helps Briggs on his journey.

Another lesser-known detail is that the film's title was originally Dog: The Movie, but it was shortened to Dog to avoid confusion with the 2018 documentary of the same name. Additionally, the film's soundtrack includes the song "Dog Days Are Over" by Florence + the Machine, which was chosen by Tatum personally to reflect the film's themes of renewal and healing.⁶

Dog was one of the first major studio releases to be distributed by United Artists Releasing after MGM's acquisition by Amazon, and it performed well at the box office, particularly during the pandemic era. The film's success helped solidify Tatum's transition from action star to producer-director, and it led to a partnership with the U.S. military to raise awareness about the adoption of retired military working dogs.

The film also inspired a real-life movement: after its release, the U.S. Army's Veterinary Corps reported an increase in inquiries about adopting retired military dogs, and several organizations saw a spike in donations. Tatum and Carolin have expressed interest in a sequel, though no official plans have been announced.

Belgian Malinois

A breed of dog commonly used in military and police work due to their intelligence and agility.

PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder, a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event.

K9s For Warriors

A nonprofit organization that provides service dogs to veterans with PTSD and other disabilities.