Futuristic Thriller 'Dog 51' - A Tale of Love and Algorithms

The French dystopian thriller, 'Dog 51', directed by Cédric Jimenez, presents a gripping narrative of two detectives tracking a murderer in a technology-dominated near-future Paris. However, the movie, heavily influenced by the work of acclaimed films such as Children of Men, Minority Report and Blade Runner, may appear all too familiar to regular cinephiles. The movie's narrative constantly seems to pay homage to the 1980s, 90s, and early 2000s, echoing an unexpected sense of nostalgia.

The characters, Gilles Lellouche and Adèle Exarchopoulos, who portray the detectives Zem and Salia, possess an unexpectedly retro look with hairstyles hailing from the 90s. Moreover, the leader of a resistance group fashionably mirrors Brandon Lee's iconic character in The Crow, adding another layer of familiarity.

Set in a segmented, Orwellian Paris, an AI, known as ALMA, recreates crime scenes and pursues criminals. Despite its futuristic setting, the movie includes a few scenes that offer a light-hearted breather, one being the lead characters belting out a karaoke rendition of ‘What’s Up’ by 4 Non Blondes in a futuristic bar, providing a quirky, memorable moment amidst high-stakes detective work.

A stunning visual palette integrated with key Paris locations and Blade Runner-inspired cityscapes adds a characteristic appeal to the dystopian setting. However, the crux of the story reflects profound contemporary concerns of an increasing class divide, growing militarization, and pivotal role of algorithms in daily life, explicitly explained through dialogue for viewers.

Unfortunately, as the movie unfolds, the algorithm-style narrative begins to lose its punch. As the plot twists towards a tragic climax, the viewer may find it hard to truly empathize with the characters. 'Dog 51' crafts a comprehensive cinema experience, but perhaps sacrifices emotional connection for the sake of its deterministic algorithm.