The BFI’s curated canon (spanning British heritage, art-house, and global auteur cinema) rarely places a dog at the center of a human romantic plot. However, when it does, it subverts the typical “pet as comic relief” trope. Instead, the dog becomes a narrative catalyst, a moral mirror, or an unwitting rival.
Dogs have long been depicted as loyal companions in cinema, often serving as a catalyst for romantic storylines. In films like Beethoven (1992) and Marley & Me (2008), dogs are portrayed as integral members of the family, providing emotional support and comfort to their human companions. These narratives frequently involve romantic subplots, where the dog's presence serves to bring people together or facilitate relationships. For example, in The Art of Racing in the Rain (2019), the dog Enzo serves as a confidant and supporter of his owner, Denny, as he navigates a romantic relationship. bfi animal dog sex hit
What’s your take? Is the violence in Animal a creative choice, or has it gone too far? Dogs have long been depicted as loyal companions
White Dog (1982): Highlighted in BFI's "10 Great Dog Films," this movie explores a more complex, less "ostensibly loving" relationship focused on mutual dependence and the darker side of human-animal training. For example, in The Art of Racing in