Rabid Dogs (2015) Watch Online Free

Rabid Dogs (2015) Watch Online

Rabid Dogs (2015) Watch Online Free

Director: Éric Hannezo
Year: 2015 Rating: 58

After a bank job goes badly wrong, three desperate criminals take a young woman and a father and child hostage – it’s the beginning of a frantic and violent road trip that not all of them will survive.


Rabid Dogs (2015) is a tense, darkly atmospheric crime thriller directed by Éric Hannezo, which serves as a French remake of Mario Bava’s 1974 film of the same name. Set in the gritty urban landscape of Montreal, the plot follows a botched heist where a group of robbers takes several hostages as they flee from the police. The criminals, wounded and desperate, escalate the violence while attempting to escape, using the hostages as human shields. What follows is a chaotic journey of betrayal, violence, and survival as the robbers and their captives face increasingly desperate and bloody circumstances.

Plot Summary

The film opens with a bank robbery gone awry. During a gunfight with the police, the gang leader, “The Boss,” is wounded, and the criminals—Sabri, Manu, and Vincent—are forced to take a man (The Father), a woman, and a young girl hostage. As they flee, the tension builds. The Father, who initially appears to be a victim, later reveals himself as a criminal mastermind with his own dark motives. As the gang members make increasingly erratic decisions, they murder anyone who stands in their way, including a garage clerk and innocent locals. Ultimately, as the violence intensifies, the Father makes his own play for the stolen money, leading to a bloody conclusion where only the man who initially seemed like a helpless father walks away, revealing his criminal identity. The film’s twist leaves the viewer questioning the true nature of the protagonist and his morality.

Analysis and Themes

Rabid Dogs explores the themes of desperation, morality, and survival. It paints a grim portrait of human nature under extreme pressure. The robbers are not typical criminals but desperate individuals pushed to their limits, driven by fear and the hope of escape. The hostages are not just passive victims but characters who shift between helplessness and resistance. The film’s use of claustrophobic settings—close quarters in cars, small rural towns, and isolated houses—amplifies the tension and makes every moment feel like it could be the last.

The film’s narrative structure is built around the passage of time, with title cards marking the hours. This technique emphasizes the urgency of the situation, especially concerning the Father’s daughter, who needs medical care. As the film progresses, viewers are forced to confront the moral ambiguity of the characters, especially as the Father’s true intentions are revealed. This shift is crucial as it dismantles any initial sympathy the viewer might have had for him, making the film a study in deception, survival, and the lengths people will go to when they have nothing left to lose.

10 Reasons to Watch Rabid Dogs

  1. Gripping Narrative: The film offers a high-stakes, fast-paced storyline that keeps the audience on edge throughout its runtime.
  2. Strong Performances: The cast, including Lambert Wilson and Virginie Ledoyen, deliver strong, nuanced performances, making even the most despicable characters engaging.
  3. Intense Atmosphere: The cinematography and direction create a suffocating atmosphere, enhancing the tension and sense of inevitability.
  4. Moral Ambiguity: The film challenges the viewer to question who the real “villain” is, offering complex characters who are not easily classified as good or evil.
  5. Pulp Fiction-Esque Violence: If you appreciate Quentin Tarantino’s raw and unapologetic approach to violence, this film will resonate with you.
  6. Unexpected Twists: The film’s ending is a shocking and thought-provoking twist that leaves a lasting impact.
  7. Exploration of Human Nature: The movie examines the darker sides of human nature, especially when people are faced with life-or-death decisions.
  8. French Crime Thriller: As a French remake of a cult classic, it offers a fresh take on the genre, making it a must-watch for fans of international cinema.
  9. Tension-Filled Action: If you enjoy films like Heat or Reservoir Dogs, you’ll find Rabid Dogs similarly engaging with its intense action and sharp dialogue.
  10. Director’s Skill: Éric Hannezo, in his debut film, proves himself as a director capable of crafting a high-energy, gripping crime thriller.

Emotional Impact After Watching

After watching Rabid Dogs, you will likely experience a complex mix of emotions. The film’s relentless pacing and shocking moments leave little room for relief, making it a tense and often uncomfortable viewing experience. The violence is stark and raw, devoid of any romanticization, which could leave you feeling disturbed or unsettled. However, the film’s exploration of survival, morality, and betrayal may also spark reflection on human nature and the lengths people go to when cornered. The shocking twist at the end might leave you questioning the characters’ motives and the meaning of the film itself.

In conclusion, Rabid Dogs is a brutal, fast-paced thriller that delivers on its promises of tension, violence, and moral complexity. Its unforgiving approach to storytelling and character development makes it an unforgettable watch, but it’s not for the faint of heart. Fans of intense crime dramas will find much to appreciate, though the film’s grim tone and unrelenting nature may leave you shaken long after the credits roll.