The late 1990s was a heady time for blockbuster films as they dominated the screen while independent and world cinema films vied for attention. One of these smaller films was Lawn Dogs which I came across the film by accident whilst channel hopping on the BBC in the early 00s. I recognising a young Mischa Barton, who I knew from The OC as it was a big deal at the time, but hadn't heard of this film at all. I watched it and loved it at the time, thinking that it was a bit of a forgotton or underappreciated gem. A few years ago, I bought the DVD on a whim from Amazon, but it had a weird cheesecake sexy Kathleen Quinlan cover (which I didn't recognise from the film) but, like so many things it my pile of shame, it sat on my shelf for years waiting to be viewed. So, with a bit of time on my hands this Winter, I decided to give it a rewatch to see if the film was as good as I half remembered. So, how was it and can you indeed go back home again?
The heart of Lawn Dogs lies in its two central performances with an early career Sam Rockwell playing Trent, a reclusive and enigmatic lawn mower who lives in a caravan in a secluded forest. He works in a privileged gated community, with all the melodrama that entails, where he meets Devon, a young Barton, who is a precocious and imaginative girl who has recently moved in to this wealthy community. They bond, their friendship forged out of a feeling of mutual alienation and a shared need for understanding as they recognise their mutual alienation in their respective worlds. Rockwell and Barton’s chemistry is remarkable, making their strange (not at all predatory but rather sibling-like) bond entirely believable and deeply affecting.
The film is a poignant exploration of social class, prejudice and the loss of innocence. It critiques the polished façade of suburban life, contrasting it with the perceived 'otherness' of those who don't fit in. The most withering line is delivered by Devon when she reversed the toy gun into an annoying boy's mouth and states, "You'd be doing the community a favour." He is the instigator of many of the issues but, due to his privilege, is never a suspect.
The narrative is infused with an element of magical realism, a subtle touch that elevates the story from a simple drama. The fantasy world Devon creates, built on the tale of Baba Yaga, sometimes bleeds into reality, serving as both a refuge and a lens through which to view the harshness of her world. This stylistic choice is what makes the film so special and distinct, leaving a haunting and memorable impression long after the credits have rolled in an emotive final act.
This film, directed by John Duigan, never achieved widespread commercial success, but I reckon that those who have encountered it, have found it an enduring experience. It's a film that asks its audience to step beyond preconceived notions and find beauty in the most unexpected of places. The fabulism and magical realism are all about the human condition as, through the guide of the fantastical, we get an understanding of some harsh societal truths.
Ultimately, Lawn Dogs is more than just a character study; it's an unconventional fairy tale for adults. It’s a film that resonates because it finds humanity in its most flawed and misunderstood characters. For anyone interested in a thought-provoking, beautifully acted, and genuinely original piece of cinema, Lawn Dogs remains a highly recommended, albeit challenging, watch.