SummaryDon't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight thrusts us into the tumultuous world of 8-year-old Bobo, whose childhood unfolds on her family's Rhodesian farm, now Zimbabwe, as the Bush War rages to its bitter end. Set against this violent backdrop, and seen through her eyes, we witness the family's desperate attachment to Africa's soil and the deep, festeri... Read More
Directed By:Embeth Davidtz
Written By:Embeth Davidtz, Alexandra Fuller
Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight
Metascore
Generally Favorable
74
User score
Universal Acclaim
8.6
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Top Cast
Metascore
Generally Favorable
75% Positive
12 Reviews
12 Reviews
25% Mixed
4 Reviews
4 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Jul 17, 2025
91
The film is a potent portrait of the heavy bootprint that colonialism left on the African continent, but the childlike point of view makes it an eminently watchable story, with moments of levity and even humour.
Oct 3, 2025
80
It’s a powerful, immersively detailed film, with three outstanding performances.
User score
Universal Acclaim
100% Positive
7 Ratings
7 Ratings
0% Mixed
0 Ratings
0 Ratings
0% Negative
0 Ratings
0 Ratings
Sep 30, 2025
8
Tô começando a achar de um maniqueísmo barato inserir uma criança num complexo jogo social (satisfeito, Benigni?), e o caso aqui aborda as tensões interraciais de uma Zimbábue em transição a um governo controverso, cujo alcance discursivo abarca medidas anti-imperialistas. Ao menos é gostoso ver branco se f***, e a criança cumpre o propósito de quase "inocentar" essa responsabilidade, e o filme ao menos é bem competente em inserir esse olhar inocente num mundo tóxico, e de quebra a menina é simpática demais. Excelente ambientação, ritmo adequado e situações com uma pegada naturalista que não soou forçado, mas sim cruel e verdadeiro. As cenas finais são intimistas e reflexivas, tanto o punho erguido quanto a silhueta de uma negra, marcando um território em constante mutação. Muito bom.
Jul 18, 2025
8
"Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight" explores a fascinating sort of coming-of-age story, watching a young girl discovering the bigotry in her family with a stunning child performance from Lexi Venter who makes everything work. She’s wide-eyed and curious, never a false moment.
Jul 10, 2025
80
The movie is Davidtz's feature debut. What she crafts is something imperfect, but as nuanced as a discussion of this topic from the white perspective can be.
Jul 14, 2025
75
The grand takeaway is Venter’s astonishing turn. That kid’s got a future, and it began with a filmmaker who knew how to direct her: with patient energy while also encouraging the freedom to play and seek and explore as Bobo does within her little big world.
Jul 9, 2025
75
Parts of that story may be hard to watch, but, anchored by Venter’s extraordinary performance, it’s not hard to enjoy.
Jul 10, 2025
60
Because she lacks a conception of colonialism, Davidtz sometimes struggles to negotiate the film’s fidelity to her point of view with a more complete picture of the war.
Sep 24, 2024
60
Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight is a fascinating indie flick with enough pull to find its audience. Davidtz does well enough with her first feature, and the story, along with Venter’s incredible performance, is more than enough to pique the audience’s interest enough to perhaps pick up the memoir.
Jul 16, 2025
7
Good acting and photography.... predictable story and sometimes a little tedious.
