Dog Gone 2023
Directed by
Stephen Herek
Made by
Netflix
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Dog Gone (2023). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
The story unfolds with a college student named Fielding Marshall, who adopts a dog to cope with the heartache of a romantic rejection. He chooses a charming Labrador puppy, whom he affectionately names Gonker. Their bond strengthens as they navigate through college life together, with Gonker becoming a familiar sight around the campus.
As graduation approaches, Fielding finds himself at a crossroads, unsure about his future, which worries his father, John Marshall. Meanwhile, his friends are embarking on their careers, adding to his anxiety. Fielding returns home to live with his parents, John and Ginny Marshall. Shortly after, Gonker is taken for a vet visit and receives a devastating diagnosis of Addison’s disease, requiring monthly vaccinations to survive.
During a walk in the woods with his college friend Nate, Gonker chases a fox and vanishes, prompting a frantic search. Fielding and Nate return home, overwhelmed by the realization that Gonker is lost. This loss triggers painful memories for Ginny, who recalls her childhood dog, Oji, and the indifference of her parents when he passed away. Determined to find Gonker, she reaches out to newspapers, animal shelters, and hospitals, distributing flyers to enlist the community’s help.
The story of Gonker captures the media’s attention, igniting a widespread search across the state. With only three weeks until Gonker’s next crucial shot, Fielding and John embark on a desperate quest to find him. As the search intensifies, Fielding’s stress negatively impacts his health, and he becomes increasingly frail from lack of food and sleep.
An animal shelter reports a found dog resembling Gonker, but it turns out to be a different animal. As Fielding’s condition worsens, John decides to take him back home. After a restless night, Fielding awakens to find himself back in his familiar surroundings. Just when hope seems lost, they receive a call that truly leads them to Gonker.
Filled with relief, Fielding and John reunite with Gonker, only for Fielding to faint upon exiting the car. He is rushed to the hospital, where it’s revealed that he is suffering from ulcerative colitis. The film concludes with an emotional moment, as Fielding and Gonker sit contentedly together on his hospital bed, finally reunited after their harrowing ordeal.
Timeline
Track the key events of Dog Gone (2023) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Fielding Adopts Gonker
Fielding Marshall, a college student coping with a romantic rejection, decides to adopt a dog to help heal his heart. He chooses an adorable Labrador puppy and names him Gonker, establishing a bond that will grow throughout their time together.
Gonker Becomes a Campus Companion
As Fielding navigates through college life, Gonker becomes a beloved fixture on campus. Their companionship helps Fielding manage the challenges of academic pressure and social expectations.
Fielding's Graduation Anxiety
With graduation approaching, Fielding is filled with uncertainty about his future, causing concern for his father, John. While his friends secure job offers, Fielding feels the weight of indecision and fear about what lies ahead.
Returning Home
Seeking comfort, Fielding returns to live with his parents, John and Ginny. Struggling with his emotions, he finds solace in spending time with Gonker, who remains his steadfast companion.
Gonker's Devastating Diagnosis
During a routine vet visit, Gonker is diagnosed with Addison's disease, which requires monthly vaccinations for survival. This news devastates Fielding, adding stress to his already anxious state.
Gonker Goes Missing
While out for a walk in the woods with his friend Nate, Gonker chases a fox and suddenly disappears. The loss shakes Fielding to his core, triggering a frantic and desperate search to find his beloved dog.
Community Outreach for Gonker
Feeling the weight of Gonker's absence, Ginny reaches out to the community for help. She distributes flyers to newspapers, animal shelters, and hospitals, hoping to rally support in the search for Gonker.
Media Attention and Widespread Search
The story of Gonker captures media attention, leading to a widespread community search across the state. Fielding and John are filled with hope and determination, but time is running out as Gonker requires his next shot soon.
Fielding's Health Declines
As the search grows more intense, the stress begins to take a toll on Fielding's health. He struggles with food and sleep deprivation, becoming increasingly frail and exhausted.
False Hope at the Shelter
An animal shelter reports a dog that looks like Gonker, raising hopes for Fielding and John. Unfortunately, upon arrival, they discover it is not Gonker, leading to further disappointment and despair.
Taking a Break
Realizing the impact of the search on Fielding's health, John decides it's time to bring him back home. Fielding reflects on his journey, weighed down by worry and fatigue.
A Ray of Hope
Just as hope starts to fade, Fielding and John receive a call that brings excitement and anticipation. This leads them to embark on one last effort to find Gonker, igniting a flicker of hope.
Reunion with Gonker
In a heartwarming moment, Fielding and John finally reunite with Gonker. The joy of finding him is overwhelming, but the excitement soon turns to concern as Fielding faints from exhaustion.
Hospital Revelation
After regaining consciousness in the hospital, Fielding learns that he is suffering from ulcerative colitis, a condition exacerbated by his stress and anxiety during the search. This puts a pause on his emotional rollercoaster.
Heartfelt Reunion on Hospital Bed
In an emotional conclusion, Fielding lies in a hospital bed, where he finally holds Gonker after their harrowing ordeal. The bond between them deepens as they share a moment of peace and comfort amidst the chaos.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Dog Gone (2023) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Fielding Marshall
Fielding is a college student grappling with the pressures of adulthood, including academic and personal challenges. His bond with Gonker represents his need for companionship as he navigates through heartache and uncertainty. Overwhelmed by the pressures of both graduation and a looming crisis, his determination to find Gonker showcases his inner strength and vulnerability.
John Marshall
John is Fielding's supportive father who becomes increasingly worried about his son's well-being as they search for Gonker. He represents the steadfastness of parental love and the anxiety that often accompanies watching a child struggle. His journey alongside Fielding emphasizes the importance of family bonds during turbulent times.
Ginny Marshall
Ginny is Fielding's mother, who recalls her own painful memories of losing a childhood pet. Her determination to help find Gonker reflects her nurturing nature and deep emotional connection to her family. She embodies the struggle of letting go while simultaneously fighting for the happiness of her loved ones.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Dog Gone (2023), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The film captures the transitional phase of a college student's life, particularly during graduation, a time often filled with uncertainty and change. This period highlights the pressures of adulthood and the importance of companionship during difficult times.
Location
College Campus, Home, Woods
The story takes place primarily on a college campus where Fielding and Gonker form their bond and navigate the challenges of academic life. The home of the Marshall family serves as a backdrop for Fielding's struggles with direction and family dynamics. The woods symbolize the unpredictable adventures and the search for Gonker, providing both beauty and tension in the narrative.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Dog Gone (2023). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Companionship
The bond between Fielding and Gonker emphasizes the theme of companionship and the emotional support pets provide in times of distress. Throughout the story, Gonker serves as a source of comfort and motivation for Fielding, especially during his struggles with self-doubt and health issues. Their relationship illustrates how unconditional love can help individuals face life's challenges.
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Loss and Recovery
As Gonker goes missing, the film delves into the themes of loss and the frantic journey toward recovery. The search for Gonker becomes a powerful metaphor for the struggles that accompany losing something or someone dear. It highlights the lengths people go to in order to find hope and solace in the face of despair.
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Perseverance
The narrative showcases the perseverance of Fielding and his family as they confront the dire situation of Gonker’s illness and disappearance. Their determination to overcome obstacles symbolizes the human spirit's resilience and the importance of community support during trying times.
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