Kevin Costner, widely recognized for his memorable roles in both film and television, has made a rare venture into voice acting with his role in the film The Art of Racing in the Rain (2019), now streaming on Netflix in the UK. Known for his portrayals of relatable heroes, Costner lends his distinctive voice to Enzo, a lovable Golden Retriever who narrates the life story of his owner, aspiring Formula One driver Denny, played by Milo Ventimiglia.
The Story Through the Eyes of a Dog
In the film, Enzo is adopted as a puppy by Denny and follows him through the ups and downs of his racing career and personal life. Enzo’s narration reveals his deep bond with Denny, accompanied by his desire to be reincarnated as a human someday. As Denny meets Eve, portrayed by Amanda Seyfried, and their family grows with the arrival of baby Zoe, the story dives into themes of love, loss, and resilience. When Eve falls seriously ill, Enzo becomes the emotional anchor holding the family together during difficult times.
A Heartfelt Blend of Emotion and Sport
The Art of Racing in the Rain merges tear-jerking moments reminiscent of Marley and Me with the thrilling backdrop of motor racing. Costner’s warm, gravelly voice adds a layer of heartfelt sincerity to the narrative, heightening the emotional connection audiences feel. Although critics expressed mixed opinions, viewers embraced the film with enthusiasm, reflected in a 96% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Dog lovers and dreamers alike will find the film irresistible for its touching portrayal of companionship and following one’s passion.
Parallel Canine Narratives: Echoes in Recent Films
Earlier releases like A Dog’s Way Home (2019), featuring a German Shepherd mix named Bella voiced by Bryce Dallas Howard, showed a similar emotional journey focused on the loyalty between a dog and its owner. Directed by Charles Martin Smith, famed for his acting alongside Costner in The Untouchables (1987), the film highlights a dog’s long journey home, deepening the theme of devotion across canine-centered stories.
Breaking the Mold: Dogs in Different Film Genres
Not all talking dog movies follow emotional narratives. For example, the 2023 comedy Strays, directed by Josh Greenbaum, takes a darker, more irreverent tone. Featuring voices from comedians such as Will Ferrell, Jamie Foxx, Isla Fisher, and Randall Park, the film revolves around a group of dogs plotting revenge against a cruel owner. Despite its comedic and rough edge, it still appeals to dog lovers by flipping traditional pet-owner relationships on their head.
Celebrating Canine Performances in Cinema
The film industry’s love for dogs extends beyond storytelling into festivals such as Cannes, where the Palme Dog award honors outstanding dog performances, either live or animated. Since 2001, this award has celebrated canine stars like Terrier Uggie, who won in 2011 for The Artist and gained fame during the movie’s successful Oscar campaign. Similarly, the English Bulldog Nellie earned the accolade in 2015 for her role as Marvin in Paterson, delivering some of the film’s funniest moments alongside Adam Driver’s character.
Availability and What to Watch Next
The Art of Racing in the Rain is currently available on Netflix in the UK and on Prime Video in the US, offering audiences a chance to experience Kevin Costner’s tender voice acting for the first time. Additionally, Strays can be streamed on Netflix in the UK and Prime Video in the US, providing a humorous and contrasting canine tale. These films underscore an ongoing cinematic fascination with dogs, showcasing the variety of ways their stories can touch human hearts.
