Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight: I had an opportunity on a Cheap Tuesday (discounted tickets at theatres every Tuesday) to go see Superman for which I had little interest, or something unknown and different. I am very glad that I did. One of the great things that movies can do for an audience is to transport them into a different space and time. In this instance it was 1980 in the African country of Rhodesia, later Zimbabwe. Based upon the memoir of Alexandra Fuller of her family’s time in Africa, it shows the impact of war and elections on this family of four on a farm in rural Rhodesia. It is written, directed and acted by veteran actress Embeth Davidtz, as she plays the mother. Nicola (Embeth) and Tim, have two girls, 8yo Bobo, played remarkably by newcomer Lexi Venter and then older sister, likely around 13yo. Bobo is the focus of the story as the precocious, naive and inquisitive Bobo with her family and the local people, including other whites and the African people. One of the Africans who assist with the family and interact with young Bobo is Sarah, played by Zikhona Bali.

The story is simple, showing the daily lives of the people and the girl. Bobo talks early on about African “terrorists” and her fear of them. The family sleeps with guns on their remote farm, and require an armed escort to go into town. Dad has a military job and heads out with other troops in a jeep. There is much tension with an upcoming election. The white population is looking for a victory by a more colonialist leader but the population is leaning towards Robert Mugabe. It is felt that the whites will be driven out with a Mugabe victory. The impact on the family is profound, as Mom is committed to her farm, her dogs and her horses in that order. Mom also has a drinking problem which is explored as well. The family has also previously suffered tragedy with a younger daughter who had passed away. All of these traumas have been experienced by young Bobo – who finds ways to ride dirt bikes, carry an air rifle, drink beer and smoke cigarettes.

I like the direction, as I feel that there are moments were the style of Terence Malick of Tree of Life is borrowed showing images of nature (streams, grass, plants, creatures) intertwined with the story of happenings with the family. I came in to this knowing nothing about this country, its politics and the battles within it. This isn’t ancient history, but at the same time I am reminded that from 1980 until now (45 years), is the same time difference between 1980 and 1935 (before WWII)!! Crazy how time flies! But we have a small glimpse into everyday life in a foreign continent in a country that does not make headlines every day. Sarah the African woman who helps with Bobo is excellent, as she is torn between her husband who feels she is too cozy with the young white girl and it gets noticed by others, but she is just looking to be kind. In tough times, actions however innocent can be interpreted in various ways. This movie shows great insight with quality performances by the Mom, Sarah and the young Bobo. If you can find this, it is worth checking out. Although this was released in 2024, and at TIFF, it is just getting released in Toronto now. Lastly I have to admit that the title likely isn’t helping it sell tickets.

Random Thought: Am I the Only One Who Feels that There is Too Much Pedro Pascal?

Bodkin: This seven-part series is another in a string of quality UK based thrillers and cop stories that have been released in the past few years. There are varying levels of success and quality in these, but overall, as a group they are very good. This series was just released on Netflix and is set in Ireland. For me, being a big fan of Ireland, and stories there, this was an easy sell. The premise is fairly simple with a US-based podcaster looking for a story to talk about as opposed to detectives or police officers. Played by Will Forte, as Gilbert, he had some modest success talking about his life imploding through his podcast, but now seeking a new story to speak about. He ventures off to Ireland, seeking a story to just speak about and decides on a town called Bodkin where there had been some drama with a disappearance of three people. Gilbert before entering Bodkin was joined by Emmy, his researcher (played by Robyn Cara) and an investigative journalist Dove Maloney (played by Siobhan Cullen), who isn’t pleased to be part of this crew as she had been placed on a paid leave from his job.

The town of Bodkin is filled with colourful characters and they are very wary about these three strangers poking around in business that they were trying hard to forget. The podcasters have the intention of just talking to people, with no expectation to be solving any mystery. Dove tells Gilbert emphatically that podcasters aren’t journalists, and she is the one who can focus on digging deeper in the town. Dove as all of the crew have their own issues, and Dove’s run especially deep. She is an orphan and had issues with nuns, convents and small towns. Gilbert has issues with his wife and that relationship. Finally Emmy is looking for more than just researching. They talk to people and investigate. The story proceeds and the team gets in deeper unravelling what turns out to be a real disappearance story with plenty of intrigue and side stories. Although pegged as a comedy-thriller, for me there wasn’t a great deal of comedy. It’s not as dark as a series like Department Q, but there is still some dark material with the past. Ultimately, this was a decent series and I enjoyed. The finale is a little over-the-top, certainly in the town, but it works. There is a suggestion that this is but one story for this group of podcasters and there could be more stories to come. We will see, but this one stands well on its own.