Classics: A Review of Isle of Dogs By Lauren Ennis

 A mysterious virus. A secretive government lab. Forced quarantines. Mass hysteria. Long before 2020 Wes Anderson explored the impact of pandemic panic in Isle of Dogs. At once a scathing political satire and a madcap adventure, Isle of Dogs serves as an apt reminder that animation is not just for kids. For animation with just enough bite escape to the Isle of Dogs.

The story begins with a mysterious canine flu spreading through the fictional Japanese city of Megasaki. The city's dictatorial, cat-loving, mayor seizes upon the crisis and decrees that all dogs be seized and quarantined on a floating landfill known as 'trash island'. Even his nephew, Atari's beloved service dog, Spots, is not spared from the decree. After Spots is quarantined, Atari hijacks a plan and flies to trash island in search of his furry friend. Upon landing he does not find Spots, but he does find a group of displaced dogs. Together, the boy and the dogs set off on an adventure to find Spots and liberate the Isle of Dogs before it is too late.

Through its depiction of a city in crisis the film sends up modern politics and explores the consequences of group think. Throughout the film, Mayor Kobayashi and his administration utilize the virus for their own gain. For example, when the citizens panic, the administration immediately positions itself as a beacon of safety. They then use their newly elevated status to implement controlling measures against citizens and their pets. They then smear their political rivals and silence dissenting voices, who they deride as reckless and dangerous to the public. In this way, they manipulate public opinion in their favor just in time for the upcoming elections. At the film's conclusion, it is revealed that not only did the administration take advantage of the crisis but they also caused it by deliberately leaking the virus from a state lab. This absurd premise would be laughable if not for the eerie way in which it parallels the events of 2020. The film extends its criticism beyond the mayor's administration to the citizens of Megasaki as they blindly follow the administration's orders. While they are hesitant to abandon their furry friends they ultimately obey the outrageous decree out of fear for their own safety. Similarly, the majority of citizens do not dare speak out against the mayor's policies and ostracize those who dare to do so. It is only after two children, Atari and his classmate, have the courage to stand up for what is right that the city finally sees reason. Through its critique of propaganda, panic, and group think, the film offers a warning for the future while recalling tragedies of the past. Even as it explores weighty topics the film never takes itself too seriously and maintains a madcap charm from start to finish. For an animated adventure for the four and two legged members of the family book a stay at the Isle of Dogs.

The film is brough to whimsical life thanks to the stellar work of its star-studded cast. Liev Schreiber infuses Spots with intelligence and loyalty. Edward Norton, Bob Balaban, Bill Murray, and Jeff Goldblum lend plenty of wit as a group of hapless house pets struggling to survive life on their own. Scarlett Johannsen blends sultry with savvy as surprisingly street-smart ex-show dog, Nutmeg. Greta Gerwig imbues abrasive activist Tracy with endearing earnestness. Koyo Ranking crosses the cultural divide in a heartwarming performance as Atari that is entirely in subtitled Japanese. Bryan Cranston steals the film as the world-weary stray turned reluctant pack-leader, Chief.

At once a satire, adventure, absurd comedy, and heartfelt drama, Isle of Dogs defies definition but is every bit as lovable as its four-legged heroes. the script blends biting satire with earnest emotion to expert effect. The versatile vocal cast bring the canine and human cast to colorful life. Discover an animated wonder on the Isle of Dogs.