‘La Perra’ Review: Dominga Sotomayor Shores Up Her Reputation With an Elegant, Unsentimental Story of Trauma and Healing
Dominga Sotomayor's film 'La Perra' presents a nuanced exploration of trauma and healing through the relationship between an independent woman and her dog. The film diverges from typical heartwarming narratives, instead offering a bittersweet and elliptical story. Premiering at the Cannes Film Festival, it showcases Sotomayor's return to her intimate storytelling roots.
- ▪'La Perra' is an adaptation of a novel by Colombian author Pilar Quintana.
- ▪The film features a strong performance by Manuela Oyarzún as the protagonist Silvia.
- ▪The dog Yuri, played by a shelter rescue, becomes a significant character in the narrative.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Home Film Reviews May 20, 2026 12:22am PT ‘La Perra’ Review: Dominga Sotomayor Shores Up Her Reputation With an Elegant, Unsentimental Story of Trauma and Healing An independent-minded woman adopts an adorably roguish pup in the Chilean director's latest feature, but anyone expecting a standard canine-bonding heartwarmer will be taken off guard by the elliptical, bittersweet result. By Guy Lodge Plus Icon Guy Lodge Film Critic @guylodge Latest ‘Bitter Christmas’ Review: Pedro Almodóvar’s Playful New Film Nests Stories Within Stories, and Alter Egos Within Alter Egos 13 hours ago ‘Minotaur’ Review: Andrey Zvyagintsev Returns in Impeccable Form With a Despairing, Darkly Funny Reflection on Corruption and Betrayal in Putin’s Russia 16 hours ago ‘Fjord’ Review: The Family That Prays Together…
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