HollyShorts Special 10: Little Bug Review
“Sorry, Little Bug. All this was supposed to be fun. You don’t deserve this, I know. You’re only three. There’re so many miles left in your feet. I’m sorry we picked you.” – The Father
It’s almost beyond belief to me today that only 69 years ago, as part of the space race, the Soviet space agency sent a stray dog aboard a capsule into space knowing she’d never come back alive.
The dog was called Laika, and this is part of her story, but it’s also an examination of the relationship between a father (Martin Freeman) and his daughter Ana (Alexandra Barredo) which has been fractured since the passing of Ana’s mother. The father became distant and uncommunicative, immersing himself in his work with the Soviet space agency.
The year is 1957, and it’s the eve of the space launch. The father brings home the dog, whom he fondly calls Little Bug, for her last night on Earth. He’s hoping to repair his estranged relationship with his daughter with the help of the dog.
Much of the story is told from the eyeline of the dog, in a way that reminded me of the similar technique used in the horror movie Good Boy (2025). It’s an inspired creative choice by writer/producer/director Matt Branson which reminds us that while the tragic element of the film is the dog’s final hours, the human drama between the father and daughter is allowed to play out. Although we don’t actually see Little Bug, we never forget she’s there.
At the core of the film are the deep emotionally resonant performances by Freeman and Barredo as they struggle to find a connection. Although the dog provides a conduit to their new chapter, we’re only too aware that her presence is only a brief and temporary respite and she’ll soon be another emotionally wrenching loss that Ana will have to bear, while her father will go back to work.
Considering its all too brief running time, this is honestly a film that will tug relentlessly at the heartstrings and perhaps leave the audience needing a moment to recompose themselves.
Rob Rating = 10