Space Dogs (2019): Cast, Ratings & Plot
Space Dogs is a 2019 documentary directed by Elsa Kremser and Levin Peter, starring Aleksey Serebryakov as Narrator. It runs 1 hour 31 minutes. Its Echo Score is 80/100.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 31m (91 min)
- Directors
- Elsa Kremser and Levin Peter
- Genre
- Documentary
- Original language
-
Russian
- Studio
- RAUMZEITFILM Produktion
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Space Dogs About?
The premise of Space Dogs without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
A stray dog named Laika was the first living creature to orbit Earth, a mission that ultimately led to her death. Legend has it that she returned as a ghost, and her descendants still roam the streets of Moscow. While filming, the directors began to see the street dogs not just as part of the human world, but realized that the dogs view humans differently. The film explores this perspective and the enduring legacy of Laika's journey.
Space Dogs Cast & Characters
Aleksey Serebryakov plays Narrator in Space Dogs. Directed by Elsa Kremser and Levin Peter.
- Co-director Elsa Kremser
- Co-director Levin Peter
- Aleksey Serebryakov as Narrator
More from Elsa Kremser and Levin Peter
More films directed by Elsa Kremser and Levin Peter, best-rated first: Space Dogs, White Snail and Dreaming Dogs.
Space Dogs Reviews & Ratings
Our Echo Score gives it 80/100, strongest in character & emotion (86) and weakest in rewatch factor (65).
Space Dogs Echo Score Breakdown
Space Dogs presents a distinctive documentary approach that leans heavily on an animal‑centered perspective. Critics commend the film’s visual ambition, noting immersive photography and archival material that lend a Tarkovskian tone. While the narrative’s thematic intent is praised for prompting reflection on human‑animal relations, several reviewers question the clarity of its central message. The overall effect is one of artistic curiosity tempered by occasional structural ambiguity, resulting in a generally positive yet imperfect viewing experience.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 82
The film’s art direction showcases an austere visual language, employing archival footage and precise, immersive photography to convey the dogs’ world. Critics highlight the restrained color palette and measured editing that reinforce the documentary’s meditative tone. However, a few reviewers note uneven pacing and a half‑baked assembly that detracts from full cohesion. Overall, the artistic execution is strong, though not flawlessly integrated.
- Character & Emotion 86
Character portrayal centers on the dogs, offering nuanced observations that invite empathy without anthropomorphism. Reviewers appreciate the subtle emotional resonance derived from small, sharp details of canine behavior and the film’s exploration of darker human‑dog dynamics. Some critics, however, find the lack of overt narrative focus limits deeper character development. In sum, the character work is thoughtful and engaging, though it remains restrained.
- Story & Flow 72
The documentary’s narrative adopts an unconventional, dog‑point‑of‑view that reshapes familiar settings into unsettling terrain. Critics commend its originality and the way it provokes reflection on broader existential themes. Conversely, a minority of reviewers argue that the film’s thematic intentions remain opaque, leaving the central storyline under‑articulated. Overall, the story is inventive yet occasionally elusive.
- Sensory Experience 80
Sensory elements rely heavily on stark visual composition and archival soundscapes, creating a cohesive atmospheric experience. Reviewers note the film’s immersive photography and deliberate sound design amplify the unsettling feeling of the canine perspective. While the auditory palette is generally praised, some critiques mention occasional mismatches between image and score that disturb continuity. The sensory execution is largely effective, supporting the film’s thematic aims.
- Rewatch Factor 65
Rewatch potential hinges on the film’s layered observations and its capacity to reveal new insights upon subsequent viewings. Critics suggest that its meditative pace and subtle details reward attentive audiences, encouraging repeated engagement. Nonetheless, a few reviewers doubt its lasting appeal due to the narrative’s opacity and occasional tonal drift. Overall, the documentary offers moderate replay value for viewers drawn to its contemplative style.
Space Dogs Plot Summary
What happens in Space Dogs from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Aleksey Serebryakov provides the narration for a story that blends Cold War atmosphere with a tender, dog-centered odyssey. A man in black ferries a small cage from the Soviet Union to the U.S. president John F. Kennedy, bearing a gift for Caroline Kennedy: a stray dog named Pushok. The courier grows intimate with the Kennedys’ broader animal entourage and, through his recollections, invites the audience to see the dogs not just as curiosities of history but as witnesses to a remarkable period of exploration, courage, and curiosity.
Full summary
The whole story of Space Dogs, scene by scene
Space Dogs Trailers & Videos
The trailer of Space Dogs.
How Well Do You Know Space Dogs?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
Who provides the narration for the film?
Space Dogs Also Known As
7 alternative titles, including “Kosmosa suņi” and “스페이스 독”.
- Also known as
-
- Kosmosa suņi
- 스페이스 독
- Космические собаки
- 우주에서 온 개들
- Cães do Espaço
- 太空狗
- 太空犬
Seen Space Dogs?
Space Dogs FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast, post-credit scenes and language of Space Dogs, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Space Dogs?
Space Dogs runs 1 hour 31 minutes (91 minutes).
When was Space Dogs released?
Space Dogs was released on August 9, 2019.
Who directed Space Dogs?
Space Dogs was directed by Elsa Kremser and Levin Peter.
More films by Elsa Kremser Who is in the cast of Space Dogs?
Space Dogs stars Aleksey Serebryakov as Narrator.
Does Space Dogs have a post-credit scene?
No. Space Dogs has no extra scene during or after the credits.
What language is Space Dogs in?
The original language of Space Dogs is Russian.
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