Watch Sleeping Dogs Lie

Sleeping Dogs Lie is a 2006 dark comedy film directed by Bobcat Goldthwait. The movie revolves around Amy, played by Melinda Page Hamilton, who, after a night of heavy drinking, confesses to her boyfriend, played by Bryce Johnson, that she had oral sex with her dog, Brewster, when she was younger. This unexpected admission creates a rift in their relationship, and Amy's life starts to spiral out of control.

The movie portrays the complexities and consequences of keeping secrets and how they can harm relationships, especially when they are kept hostage as one's deepest, darkest secret. The film takes a humorous take on a rather taboo subject matter, but it's not crude, and none of the scenes are gratuitous in any way. It focuses more on the aftermath, the dynamics of relationships, and how secrets can affect those we love.

Melinda Page Hamilton, who plays the lead role of Amy, is phenomenal in the film, delivering a nuanced and textured performance that brings credibility to a rather absurd premise. Her character is relatable in that she is fundamentally good but hides a deep, dark secret that tears apart the world she once knew. Her inner turmoil alone is captivating enough to keep audiences engaged. Bryce Johnson plays John, Amy's boyfriend, who is initially shocked by her confession to the point of momentarily ending their relationship. However, as the movie progresses, he comes to realize that forgiveness and understanding are more important than judgment.

Brian Posehn plays Dougie, John's roommate, who provides most of the comic relief throughout the film. He is a foul-mouthed, politically incorrect character that works surprisingly well in the context of the movie, adding much-needed levity in an otherwise heavy story. Posehn's comedic sensibilities are a welcome distraction from some of the more uncomfortable scenes in the movie.

The film's pacing is slow but deliberate, taking its time to build emotional tension and connecting the audience with the characters' emotional turmoil. The cinematography, while not particularly flashy, is competent and effective in capturing the movie's somber tone. What stands out, however, is the film's ability to blend humor and drama without feeling tonally jarring.

Sleeping Dogs Lie is a unique film that won't appeal to everyone, but for those who appreciate dark humor and bittersweet stories, it's a film worth checking out. It delivers a thoughtful commentary on the lies we tell ourselves and those we love, and how those lies, once uncovered, can have devastating effects on life as we know it. The film is unapologetic and doesn't shy away from its subject matter, but it's never crass, judgmental, or vulgar. It's a well-written, well-acted, and well-directed movie that tackles a taboo subject in a refreshingly unique way.

Sleeping Dogs Lie is a 2005 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9 and a MetaScore of 63.