Wiener-Dog Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A hot dog goes on a series of misadventures with different owners, proving that life is ruff, even for a wiener.

🍿 Wiener-Dog: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Remi and Wiener-Dog

A young cancer survivor named Remi receives a dachshund as a gift from his father. His parents, Dina and Danny, have differing approaches to parenting and pet ownership. Dina is initially reluctant about the dog but gradually warms up. The dog, initially named ‘Cancer’, causes chaos in the house and ends up sick after eating a granola bar.

Dawn Wiener’s Road Trip

Dawn Wiener, now a veterinary technician, renames the dog ‘Wiener-Dog’ and takes her in. She encounters Brandon, an old acquaintance from her past. Together, they embark on a road trip to visit Brandon’s disabled brother, Tommy, and his wife, April. This section explores themes of reconnecting with the past and dealing with familial issues.

Dave Schmerz, the Screenwriter

Wiener-Dog ends up with Dave Schmerz, a disillusioned film school professor struggling with his career. He feels creatively stifled and faces criticism from his students and colleagues. This segment delves into themes of artistic frustration and the challenges of pursuing creative ambitions.

Nana and the Art World

The dog’s final owner is Nana, an elderly woman with a caregiver, Yvette. Nana is visited by her granddaughter, Fantasy, and Fantasy’s boyfriend, who is an artist. Fantasy asks her for money to complete a disturbing art project that involves taxidermied animals. Nana reflects on her life choices and has a dream where she sees younger versions of herself. The story culminates in a tragic ending for Wiener-Dog.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Dawn Wiener (Greta Gerwig): A compassionate vet tech who reunites with a former classmate and embarks on a road trip.
• Remi (Keaton Nigel Cooke): A young cancer survivor who receives the wiener-dog as a gift from his father.
• Danny (Tracy Letts): Remi’s father, who buys him a wiener-dog to cheer him up after his illness.
• Dave Schmerz (Danny DeVito): A disillusioned film professor struggling with his career and the superficiality of the film industry.
• Dina (Julie Delpy): Remi’s mother, a yoga enthusiast with unconventional views on parenting and societal norms.
• Brandon (Kieran Culkin): Dawn’s old school acquaintance who suffers from drug addiction and invites her on a road trip to visit his brother.
• Nana (Ellen Burstyn): An embittered elderly woman reflecting on her life choices and facing her mortality.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Danny: “Heel, motherfucker!” – Danny says this yanking on the leash, showcasing the irreverent and abrasive humor.

💰Box Office

• Budget: None
• Domestic Gross: $477,453
• Worldwide Gross: $734,729

💥 Wiener-Dog Reviews

Personal Review

I went into ‘Wiener-Dog’ expecting a quirky comedy, and while it definitely had its moments, it was much darker than I anticipated. The film’s episodic structure was interesting, and I loved seeing Greta Gerwig reprise her role. However, the ending left me feeling a bit disturbed. Overall, a unique and thought-provoking film, but not for the faint of heart.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Todd Solondz’s previous work”
  • “Viewers interested in dark comedies and unconventional films”
  • “Those who appreciate satirical and thought-provoking cinema”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Animal death”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Disturbing content”
  • “Drug use”
  • “Scatological humor”
  • “Offensive language”

Professional Reviews

• Indiewire: “Solondz’s ‘Wiener-Dog’ is a darkly comic, episodic journey that’s both unsettling and strangely moving. The film meanders through the lives of its characters, exploring themes of mortality and meaning with deadpan humor. While not always successful, it offers a unique and provocative cinematic experience.
• MovieWeb: “Todd Solondz’s ‘Wiener-Dog’ is not your typical feel-good movie. It’s a quirky, often disturbing, exploration of dysfunctional lives connected by a single dachshund. While the film’s dark humor may not appeal to everyone, it’s a thought-provoking and visually striking work from a unique voice in independent cinema.

Audience Reactions

The quirky characters and dark humor made this film memorable.: Many viewers appreciated the film’s unique style and exploration of dark themes.

The performances, especially Greta Gerwig’s, were praised for their authenticity.: Audiences enjoyed the performances of the main actors, especially Greta Gerwig and Danny DeVito

Overall Consensus: ‘Wiener-Dog’ is a divisive film with a unique and dark sense of humor. Some viewers appreciate its quirky characters and thought-provoking themes, while others find it disturbing and ultimately unsatisfying.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Todd Solondz revisits the character of Dawn Wiener from his 1995 film ‘Welcome to the Dollhouse,’ though now played by Greta Gerwig instead of Heather Matarazzo.”
• “The film is structured as a series of vignettes, each focusing on a different owner of the dachshund, exploring themes of mortality, dysfunction, and the human condition through dark humor.”
• “Following an angry response from some audience members at the January 2016 Sundance premiere, a few festival reviewers purposefully spoiled the film in detail so as to deter animal lovers from seeing the film.”
• “The director himself, Todd Solondz, makes a cameo appearance in the movie as a writer”

🖥️ How to Watch Wiener-Dog?

Wiener-Dog is available for streaming on various platforms. You can find it for rent or purchase on Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Availability may vary depending on your region. Check your local listings for cable and satellite options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Wiener-Dog, you might like these similar films:

• Happiness (1998): Directed by Todd Solondz, explores similarly dark and disturbing themes with a bleak, satirical perspective on suburban life.
• Welcome to the Dollhouse (1995): Also directed by Todd Solondz, features Dawn Wiener (albeit played by a different actress in ‘Wiener-Dog’) and explores similar themes of awkwardness and social alienation.
• Au Hasard Balthazar (1966): A classic film that follows the life of a donkey as it passes through different owners, drawing parallels to the episodic structure and exploration of human nature through an animal’s journey.
• Life During Wartime (2009): Also directed by Todd Solondz, utilizes similar dark humor and discomfort to explore complex themes surrounding family, forgiveness, and societal dysfunction.

🛒 Wiener-Dog Related Products

• Dachshund Through The Snow: A Wiener Dog Christmas: A heartwarming Christmas tale where a dachshund saves the day! Great for family movie night.
• Dachshund Bobblehead – Wiener Dog Dashboard Decoration: Bring a touch of wiener dog charm to your car or desk with this adorable bobblehead.
• Crazy Dog T-Shirts – Wiener Winner – Funny Dachshund T-Shirt: Show your love for dachshunds with this hilarious ‘Wiener Winner’ T-shirt.
• Dachshund Throw Pillow Cover: Add a touch of Wiener-Dog charm to your home decor.

🎧 Soundtrack

Wiener-Dog features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Clair De Lune” – performed by Claude Debussy

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Do not do this at a pet store! 🐠

Ever wondered what NOT to do at a pet store? This hilarious video shows exactly that! I couldn’t stop laughing, you won’t either.

Little Rogue! Cute & Funny Dachshund Dog Video!

Need a quick pick-me-up? This dachshund video is pure joy! Seriously, who can resist a cute little puppy doing funny things? I know I can’t!

Dog of Wisdom

Remember the ‘Dog of Wisdom’ meme? This is the original! Honestly, it’s still hilarious after all these years. You should see where this comes from!

✨ Rate