Director: Ericson Core
Starring: Willem Dafoe & Julianne Nicholson
Togo is a different kind of exhilarating.
Togo tells the story of the titular sled dog that despite his small stature, he was able to lead musher Leonhard Seppala to retrieve the serum to cure the children of Nome.
Togo is a historical figure that never manages to have the spotlight despite the great feat he has done. Disney+ Togo's directed by Ericson Core (dir. Point Break) have the opportunity to forever glorify the magnificent sled dog but he settled to focus on Togo and Seppala's relationship instead on concentrating on the obligation upon them for the salvation of the small city of Nome from a diptheria outbreak in 1925. This set up the Great Race of Mercy as the backdrop to illustrate the bond of the two leads rather than its historical story. This is fine but it steer Togo away from being an 'edge of your seat' film as it did not expound the stake wide enough for it to clearly define the weight of Togo's responsibility. Hence making the dangers and perils Togo and Seppala encountered flat, predictable and uninspiring.
- However, this doesn't mean that Togo is a bad or problematic film. True, it is pretty much placid with flashes of thrills but not enough to be considered exciting or gripping. Togo was, somehow, a heartfelt drama of perseverance exemplified by the performance of Willem Dafoe and Julianne Nicholson.
I must've been expecting more from the film but considering that this came out quietly and without much expectation upon it, Togo flourished. It might've failed to stimulate me but I was glad that the narrative was filled with heartwarming and empowering scenes, beautifully crafted by Core.
There is something about Togo that tugs my heart. It was not my kind of film but its tranquil and contemplative tone sets it apart from all the adrenaline-fueled film released. Its self-conscious and ittle melancholic but at the same time hopeful. Its exhilarating film but at the same time serene.
