It’s estimated that more than one million stray dogs wander the streets of Houston. These dogs don’t have enough to eat, and they suffer as a result. But their suffering extends beyond just themselves–they are becoming a hazard to the Houston residents as well. Twin sisters Tena Lundquist Faust and Tama Lundquist set out on a mission For the Animals, to make sure that sometime in the near future that these animals are treated appropriately and the world becomes a better place.
What is the one thing that people seem to care more about than themselves? Their pets. Developing a documentary showcasing hungry, cold, homeless animals navigating the streets of Houston, Texas is a great way to get attention. For the Animals appeals to everyone watching by using pathos, constantly appealing to their emotions and making them feel like they need to do something about the issues being portrayed on screen. There’s really no other way to do this; there’s no other way to present viewers with an abundance of suffering dogs and hope that they will want to join the cause–and Tena, Tama, and Directors Sadhvi Anubhuti and Sadhvi Siddhali Shree make sure that they use this at every turn.
I’m almost certain that some individuals will watch For the Animals and see it as a money grab, to see the sisters looking for attention and trying to earn a little money in the process. That’s where For the Animals fails. I don’t think that I subscribe to the idea that the sisters are looking for money or attention, but they are pushy throughout the course of the film. Their cause is just, and the reason why they are so pushy is ultimately to help others. However, their demeanor will certainly turn some viewers off to the film early–and I’d venture to guess that it would be hard for them to shake that feeling once it’s there. I exist on the side where I can appreciate pushiness (to a degree)–and I genuinely enjoyed Tena and Tama throughout For the Animals.
Realistically this filming team takes some risks when walking the streets of Houston and approaching stray animals. Their dedication to their work and to making sure these animals find a home is commendable–and their talent is clear from beginning to end. There’s no set design or organization like there might be on the set of a narrative film, and the crew behind creating For the Animals must find a way to get the right shot through the uncertainties of their subject matter. They can’t be sure how or when the animals may move, if they are dangerous, or if they will be able to get close enough to showcase them–but they are still tasked with presenting the audience with something worth watching–and they do a spectacular job. They find just the right angles and use just the right shots, and they ultimately capture everything beautifully–helping to bring this story to life.
For the Animals really isn’t any different from any other documentary you’ve seen–at least in the sense that the filmmakers are hoping that their viewers learn something by watching it. The film is certainly informative, but it also uses a series of tactics to effectively connect us with the individuals on screen (whether those individuals are people or animals). For the Animals constantly finds ways to showcase the lost, struggling animals wandering around Houston–and this team’s ability to bring this story to life most certainly won’t be overlooked. It was likely a challenging film to bring to life–but it works wonderfully.
Directed by Sadhvi Anubhuti & Sadhvi Siddhali Shree.
Starring Tena Lundquist Faust, Tama Lundquist, Sonya Franklin, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/10
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