Usually Canadian actor Julian Richings is seen playing creepy and eccentric villains, from Yuri in the 2015 film 'Patch Town', to the usurer in 'The Last Casino'. Animal Control, a short film by the talented director of 'The Rainbow Kid', proves that Richings' skill for the screen goes beyond the norm. Taking on the role of Larry, a lonely and socially isolated animal shelter worker with an affinity for taxidermy, he portrays a weird guy who learns the joys and sorrows of friendship when he rescues an injured dog from the roadside at night.
The dog, "Sammy", is quiet, immobile and at first appears dead. Larry nearly kills Sammy to end her suffering on numerous occasions, however he can't bring himself to hurt the dog and he takes a liking to her being by his side every evening. When it becomes apparent that Sammy's future looks bleak, Larry tries desperately to save his new little companion's life, but finds that sadly there might just not be hope after all. Will he revert back to his creepy taxidermist ways, or will he do something to honour his beloved friend? This short film had me in tears many times, especially that one harrowing scene where Larry holds the dying puppy in his arms and cries in the pitch-black darkness of his little house. This film may upset people as it does have some rather unintentionally gory imagery, but it's worth it to see the profound story unfold for better or for worse. Subtle hints suggest that Larry's life has been dismal and that he's not altogether "there", but he ends up finding out that life is so much better and brighter than death with Sammy's help. Beautiful and touching story, and definitely worth every moment.
The dog, "Sammy", is quiet, immobile and at first appears dead. Larry nearly kills Sammy to end her suffering on numerous occasions, however he can't bring himself to hurt the dog and he takes a liking to her being by his side every evening. When it becomes apparent that Sammy's future looks bleak, Larry tries desperately to save his new little companion's life, but finds that sadly there might just not be hope after all. Will he revert back to his creepy taxidermist ways, or will he do something to honour his beloved friend? This short film had me in tears many times, especially that one harrowing scene where Larry holds the dying puppy in his arms and cries in the pitch-black darkness of his little house. This film may upset people as it does have some rather unintentionally gory imagery, but it's worth it to see the profound story unfold for better or for worse. Subtle hints suggest that Larry's life has been dismal and that he's not altogether "there", but he ends up finding out that life is so much better and brighter than death with Sammy's help. Beautiful and touching story, and definitely worth every moment.