After a review hiatus to recover from knee surgery, I am back with a look at a sentimental dog-centric drama. Based on a Garth Stein novel that I have not read, this rather unusual story follows a Golden Retriever named Enzo as he accompanies his human through the joys and calamities of life. The film’s hook and charm germinate from its canine perspective and the undeniable wisdom and affection displayed by the wise-beyond-his-years dog toward his human charges.

Simon Curtis’ film is a winning mix of comedy and drama, joy and tragedy, as race car driver Denny Swift (Milo Ventimiglia) adopts a puppy and later begins a family with Eve (Amanda Seyfried), eventually having a daughter, Zoe (Ryan Kiera Armstrong), and experiencing all the wonders and trials of life. Enzo (voiced by Kevin Costner) is a constant presence, commenting on most everything even if he rarely has a direct effect on events. Yet it is his story as much as anyone’s.

While the film is unabashedly sentimental at times, it is never cloyingly cute, as so many films about animals are. The thoughts and judgments attributed to Enzo are cleverly imagined and thoughtfully executed. Having Kevin Costner voice the dog is a profound choice; his gravelly intonations provide a gravitas that is undeniably powerful. And the human side of the equation is deftly written and acted, balancing the story quite comfortably.

Here’s the thing: viewers who cannot abide blatant anthropomorphism will probably dismiss the film’s primary conceit. Dogs cannot talk, or even think as is being presented, and that’s that. But anyone who has ever gazed into an animal’s eyes and beheld not just intelligence and affection but genuine understanding will melt like butter as the story unfolds. I did, and you will too. ☆ ☆ ☆. 3 September 2019.