Dog (2022), directed by Channing Tatum and Reid Carolin

Army Ranger veteran Jackson Briggs was invalided out with a brain injury, but is trying to get clearance to get back in. His only possible route is by agreeing to take a 1500km road trip to deliver retired Ranger dog Lulu to the funeral of her handler, his former colleague. The mismatched pair of damaged vets form a bond as they find trouble along the way and Jackson comes to realise has a choice between the well-worn path of self destruction or a difficult way forward to a healthy future. This is Channing Tatum’s film in every way, but he is almost upstaged by the dog. It had the potential to be sentimental, pseudo-patriotic trash, but the film does not shy away from the hard and dirty work they had to do in Afghanistan and the damage it has done to both man and dog. There are lighter moment and laughs, but it is clear on the reluctance of veterans to seek help and their tendency to self-medicate rather than communicate. So many people along the journey tell Jackson to get help, but will the message finally get through? Dog knows.