Dog Soldiers – Review

Scotland. A couple camping enjoys scenic sights by the riverside and their tent and fire in the woods as the sun sets. As they head to sleep, things get a bit growly, howly, furry and bloody during the night. Bummer.

In North Wales just hours earlier, a flashback resets our story with a group of soldiers who are hunting down a man running through the forest. This is Private Cooper (McKidd), who evades capture in an exercise. He does well, and is moved to the head of the class by Special Ops Squad Leader Richard Ryan (Cunningham).

Ryan is a brutal man who does not care for dogs, or second chances. Does Cooper really want to be in his unit? Maybe not… Four weeks later and Cooper is back with his old unit in the highlands of Scotland. His Army Sergeant Harry Wells (Pertwee) is a better human being than Ryan is, and leads his squad on an exercise through the mountains. They are up against special forces… the mission simulates being behind enemy lines, with all guns using blanks.

As the day progresses, things go from bad to worse, and an out-of-control enemy shows its face. Will Cooper and Wells be able to survive this event and make it home to watch the football match on the telly? What about the tale these soldiers know about a local couple ripped to shreds? What’s up with that?!

Dog Soldiers has a minimal cast and small budget, but it still brings an interesting story to life with quality practical effects. It mixes genres, which works out fairly well overall. The premise is simple, but how it plays out is anyone’s guess, which keeps the film interesting. A decent script and solid direction round out the time, so give it a shot and try not to get bitten.