In the Dog House: A Quiet, Grumpy Kind of Sunday Afternoon Watch

Is it worth your time?

If you're a fan of those black-and-white flicks that move at the speed of a Sunday stroll, sure. You’ll probably hate this if you need constant movement or a plot that doesn't just sit in the living room for eighty percent of the runtime. It’s light, it’s a bit mean-spirited, and it feels like it was filmed in someone’s actual house.

Andy Clyde has that classic face that looks like it’s permanently stuck in a state of 'I didn't sign up for this.' Watching him try to navigate his new wife’s blatant dislike for his grandson is… well, it’s uncomfortable. And not in a cool, indie-drama way. In a 'I feel bad for the kid' way. 🐕

The dog really steals it.

There’s this moment where the dog just stares at the new wife, and you can practically hear the animal thinking, 'You have no idea what you're doing, lady.' It’s these tiny, accidental-feeling beats that make the movie feel like it has a pulse.

I found myself comparing the vibe to Hide and Seek, just because of how claustrophobic the whole family tension gets. You’re trapped in these rooms with these people, and honestly, the dog is the only one I’d want to grab a beer with. Or a bowl of water, I guess.

• The pacing is weird.
• Some scenes end so abruptly you think the projector broke.
• The dialogue is mostly just people complaining about their furniture or the kid's noise.

Is it a masterpiece? No. Is it better than The National Rash? Probably not, but it’s got a weird, dusty charm. It’s not trying to teach you a lesson about the human condition. It’s just showing you a guy who made a bad choice in a partner and is now dealing with the fallout in his living room.

Also, the kid, Delmar Watson, does a great job of looking genuinely confused by the adults around him. I mean, wouldn't you be? Sometimes the camera lingers on his face for a second too long, and you can tell he's just waiting for someone to yell 'cut' so he can go play outside. It’s honestly kind of refreshing.

Anyway, don't overthink it. It's a short watch. If you’ve got a rainy afternoon and nothing else to do, you could do way worse.