Dogtooth: Unraveling Lanthimos’ Disturbing Allegory

Yorgos Lanthimos’ Dogtooth (2009) is a profoundly unsettling and darkly humorous film. It tells the story of a family living in complete isolation, where the parents have created a warped reality for their three adult children. They are confined to their property and taught a fabricated vocabulary and understanding of the world.

The Fabricated Reality

The parents exert absolute control. “Zombie” means someone who loves meat. “Sea” is a leather armchair. The children are taught that airplanes are toys falling from the sky and cats are dangerous predators. This manufactured world serves to keep them subservient, ignorant of the outside world, and entirely dependent on their parents. Discipline is enforced through violence and sexual manipulation, further cementing the parents’ authority.

The Dogtooth Metaphor

The title itself is significant. The parents tell the children they can leave the house only when a dogtooth falls out, signaling their readiness. This arbitrary milestone reflects the constructed nature of their freedom and the control the parents wield. It’s a false promise used to keep them compliant.

Breaking the Cycle

The carefully constructed world begins to unravel with the introduction of Christine, a security guard from the father’s workplace, who is paid to have sex with the son. Through these encounters, the children are exposed to outside influences – films, music, and a more accurate, albeit distorted, view of reality. This sparks curiosity and, ultimately, a desire for escape.

Incest and Control

The film doesn’t shy away from disturbing themes. The incestuous relationship between the siblings, implicitly encouraged by the parents, highlights the utter lack of boundaries and the warped morality within the household. Sex is not presented as a natural expression of affection, but as a tool for control and manipulation.

The Ending: A Glimmer of Hope?

The film’s ambiguous ending leaves viewers questioning the possibility of true escape. The older daughter gouges out one of her eyes to expedite her “dogtooth” falling out, demonstrating her willingness to endure immense pain for the chance at freedom. The final scene shows her in the trunk of the car, seemingly about to leave the property. However, we only see her mimicking the driver’s movements, suggesting her understanding of the world is still incomplete and perhaps irrevocably damaged.

An Allegory of Control

Dogtooth functions as a powerful allegory for various forms of control. It can be interpreted as a critique of oppressive political regimes, cult-like behavior, or even the restrictive nature of traditional family structures. The film forces us to confront the potential dangers of blind obedience, the importance of critical thinking, and the human desire for freedom, even in the face of profound manipulation.