‘Stray’ review; Dir. Elizabeth Lo (2020) [LFF]

View the streets of Istanbul through the eyes of some of its many stray dogs in Elizabeth Lo’s sweet and graceful debut documentary. 

While the stray dogs of Istanbul were once met with violence and hostility, it nis now illegal to cause harm to them. As a result, they roam the streets in large numbers, with well over 100,000 dogs roaming around, making the city their own proverbial playground. This documentary focuses on one of these street wise strays, the strong willed Zeytin. Through her eyes, we see both aggression, compassion, and echoes of her own experience in the people around her who make up the population of Istanbul. 

With the camera never leaving the level of a dog’s eye perspective, Lo invites you into the city from a point of view that establishes itself as just another pair of canine eyes roaming the streets. This remains the style throughout, only once choosing to shake things up by going for the more direct approach of attaching a Go-Pro to an actual dog. Apart from this moment, which very much feels like the filmmakers trying something out just to see how it looks, the film feels unobtrusive in its approach, inviting you into the city in a calm and approachable manner. 

Zeytin’s life amongst the streets of Istanbul is one that is coloured by both a sense of compassion and a sense of irritation. Citizens and tourists alike are both shown displaying care and annoyance towards her and her fellow strays. Sure, the dogs don’t really seem to mind, but it becomes a more intriguing element of the film as more of a parallel is made between the strays and the experience of marginalised refugees who share the streets. The kindred sense of experience is not lost on the young refugees who are awaiting work permits, as they show the greatest affection to Zeytin and her fellow strays. 

These parallels are what allow the film to stand as a textured portrait of the city and of the variety of existence that takes place within it. Through Zeytin’s travels, we hear snippets from all different walks of life, some dealing with trivial issues, relationship dramas and working life woes.In a very subtle fashion, Lo asks questions about how society treats those on the fringes, those who are most vulnerable and who don’t have much in their lives, let alone a roof over their heads. It is thought provoking while never being particularly too direct, offering morsels for thought that pairs well with the empathetic approach that the style and camerawork establishes. 

While the concept of a film following stray dogs may sound like it might be quite a stressful experience, it is in fact much more of a sweet and comfortable experience, particularly for dog lovers. It is very easy to fall for Zeytin; she’s a smart, resourceful dog, and the film captures her soul, allowing for the film to be all the more touching and enriching. There’s a lot of life on display here, and Zeytin embodies the film’s overall spirit of perseverance and making the most of the hand you have been dealt. Following her through the city helps Lo construct a meaningful journey, one where parallels naturally form and enrich the experience. You may also come away with an overwhelming urge to adopt a pup and name it Zeytin, but that may just be me.