The Dog Walker is a 2019 indie drama film, written and directed by Peter Noel. The movie features Alexandru Aldea as Connor, a young man struggling to find direction in life, Ed Altman as Bill, his wealthy employer, and Robyn Babina as Abigail, a woman from Connor's past. The movie is set in New York City and follows the story of Connor, a recent college graduate who is still trying to figure out what he wants to do with his life. To make ends meet, he takes a job as a dog walker for Bill, a successful businessman who lives in a luxurious penthouse apartment overlooking Central Park. Despite his privileged lifestyle, Bill is a lonely man who longs for the company of his estranged son.
Connor's life becomes further complicated when Abigail, his ex-girlfriend, re-enters his life. Abigail is a struggling actress who is currently involved in a sketchy business deal with a mysterious investor. As Connor and Abigail reconnect, he becomes increasingly entangled in her dangerous world.
Throughout the movie, the characters confront their past traumas and struggle to find meaning and purpose in their lives. Connor grapples with his ongoing quarter-life crisis, while Bill tries to reconnect with his son and Abigail navigates the murky waters of show business.
The Dog Walker is a slow-burning character study that explores themes of human connection, loneliness, and the search for meaning. The film is characterized by its beautiful cinematography, capturing the moody atmosphere of New York City's concrete jungle. The soundtrack is minimalist but effective, using sparse piano notes to heighten the emotional intensity of pivotal scenes.
The cast delivers strong performances, with Alexandru Aldea portraying Connor's inner turmoil with nuance and sensitivity. Ed Altman brings a sense of gravitas to his role as Bill, while Robyn Babina imbues Abigail with a captivating blend of vulnerability and ambition.
Despite its leisurely pace, The Dog Walker remains engaging throughout its runtime, thanks to nuanced characterization and strong writing. The film never feels preachy or overly sentimental, instead opting for a realistic portrayal of complex, flawed human beings.
Overall, The Dog Walker is a well-crafted indie drama that offers a compelling exploration of modern-day ennui and existential angst. The film is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys introspective character studies and a meaningful examination of the human condition.
The Dog Walker is a 2019 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 12 minutes.
It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.0.
