Guan’s film, like Reichardt’s, is a bittersweet acknowledgement that the love between a dog and a human can heal, but it cannot save the world.

While the plot runs out of gas and occasionally threatens to go off the rails, Guan’s strong visual direction ensures that “Black Dog” never ceases to be interesting.

This is a man and dog versus the rest drama with a social conscience and a deadpan sense of humour.

As we follow the journey of Lang and Black Dog, the film embraces its purpose alongside them, reigniting itself with energy in every scene of them bonding together.