Running Time: 88 Minutes
Starring: Jack Ryan Beckner, Joette Waters, Dan Cutts, Emily Ferguson, Brian Rooney, Eva Dorrepaal
In 2022, director Jay Burleson delivered a curious pair of throwback slashers, made-up of The Third Saturday in October: Part V, and its "lost" predecessor, The Third Saturday in October (yes, they are intended to be watched in that order.) Returning to the Soho Horror Festival, Burleson delivers his latest feature, Kenneled, which asks how far somebody would go to achieve their dream job.
The story opens with Walker (Jack Ryan Beckner) working as a ride-share driver, with the evening resulting in a drunk passenger vomiting inside his car. This is the final straw, as our lead decides to make his dog-walking career into a reality (yes, Walker aspires to become a dog-walker.) While the work is not plentiful, the luck seemingly changes when he is contacted by a wealthy client to dog-sit a home-bound canine for a lot of money. It soon becomes clear why the mystery client values secrecy, as it turns out this is no ordinary dog.
Working off H.K. Moore's screenplay, Burleson crafts an 88-minute work which moves as swiftly as it sounds. There is a solid hand guiding this story, knowing how to pace the tale and to hold back on reveals. Whether it is the first sight of the dog, the reveal of who else inhabits the neighbourhood, or discovering what the owner does in their spare time, each revelation is effectively held back until necessary.
In the current economic crisis, the idea of following your dreams is an even riskier one that can seem unfeasible. That is the struggle at the centre of Walker, with Jack Ryan Beckner effectively capturing the struggles of balancing job satisfaction and financial stability. When the answer to his prayers seemingly arrives, the financial success leaves him blinded by the many red flags related to this job.
These concerns are understandably voiced by Kylie (Emily Ferguson), Walker's girlfriend. While there are charming moments to their relationship, the protagonist grows jealous at seeing his partner persevering with her dream while receiving financial assistance from her parents. The resentment bubbles up until it all comes out in uncomfortable fashion, leading one to wonder how they can come back from that. A special mention is deserved for Dan Cutts, effectively bringing a humanity to his role which speaks volumes when the character cannot.
As more wealthy characters inhabit the screen, it becomes clear how little they regard those less fortunate than them, without a thought for the nasty actions that inhabit the final act. While these ideas feel ever-relevant, there is admittedly a struggle to make this film stand apart from other works with similar ideas on its mind, despite such solid execution. What helps this film are moments which range from unsettling to graphic, including a particularly cruel procedure, although one wishes that it could have gone further with the moments of retribution. That does not mean this film has gone to the dogs, as Kenneled is an effectively twisted work that has bite alongside bark.
Kenneled made its World Premiere at Soho Horror Festival 2025
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