Director Roe Moore’s caring dramatic short film Walkies explores the small steps that one woman makes to try and change her own life. Esther (Mariana Arôxa) is mired in depression, paralyzed by inaction in her own home and struggling to force herself into a routine. On a rare venture outside to the park, fascinated and intimidated by the dogs she encounters with their walkers, Esther discovers a compelling ad for a new animatronic pet. She brings home robotic puppy Luno, who helps Esther take her first strides towards reentering the world.
Laura Thomas’ script uses broad strokes to tell a topical story about depression and the struggle to connect in modern society. Esther’s mental health issues have alienated her from the rest of the world, leaving her disconnected and intimidated by the prospect of engaging with people. In the wake of the pandemic, Esther’s isolation is acutely familiar. A meticulously detailed wellness routine shows that she clearly wants to get better but is struggling to reach out. In the meantime, she finds Luno a low-pressure and low-commitment way to seek companionship. It’s a small crack in the door, a stopgap as Esther regains her confidence and enthusiasm for life. Esther and her quickly developing relationship with Luno form the emotional center of the film. A robotic dog gives her something to care about, a reason to get up in the morning. Through her love for Luno and the routine they begin to build together, she rediscovers the possibility of connection. Esther’s first step forward may be incremental, but it’s progress, and it’s something to celebrate.
Esther’s journey is a heartwarming one, though it glosses over the potential pitfalls of a virtual companion for a simple and empowering story about overcoming personal strife. Despite controversy in the wake of an increased societal reliance on artificial intelligence and smart devices, there is no moral dilemma or risk depicted in Esther’s relationship with her new “dog.” While she clearly has a strong connection to Luno, that bond doesn’t consume her life. Luno is a companion, but the story treats him as an accessory, a way to connect rather than an addicting or isolating force.
Luno is portrayed by Jennie, a robotic dog marketed by company Tombot as an emotional support animal. Built for the elderly and people navigating long-term illnesses who are unable to care for a pet, Jennie was created as a companion to combat loneliness, anxiety, and depression. The dog is particularly cute, a charming animatronic that feels lovable and familiar at first glance. This may be due in part to the fact that Tombot enlisted the creative consultation of Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, the home of The Muppets, to help bring Jennie to life. The result is a perfect scene partner for Esther, cuddly and inviting as they quickly forge a connection.
Appearing in every scene, Arôxa carries the film with grace, carefully navigating Esther’s transformation. Her character has little dialogue, her nerves seeming to silence her around others. Instead she expresses herself nonverbally, speaking volumes through the nervous clench of her mouth or the loving way she clutches Luno. Erik Orjiako also does nice work as Robert, another robotic dog owner that catches Esther’s eye in the park.
The film’s technical elements are straightforward yet effective, all in service of meticulously depicting Esther’s emotional evolution. J. Gittings’ cinematography reflects her headspace, tracking her from the throes of depression to a sense of determined optimism. When the film begins, Esther’s home is drenched in cool tones, doleful framing echoing the raindrops streaking the windows and dirty dishes littering the coffee table. The camera’s movements are slow and measured through the space as Esther struggles to find the energy to take a walk. With the arrival of Luno, Esther’s life is given a renewed hope and a bright outlook is made literal in Gittings’ hands. As she unpacks her new robotic dog, sunlight emerges, bathing them in a warm and loving glow that only builds as owner and pet grow closer. This transition is further highlighted by Charley Bright’s delicate and poignant score, guitar layering on top of piano as Esther finds a spot of hope in her despair.
A poignant short film about a woman struggling with loneliness, Moore’s creative team and a stand-out animatronic dog work together to give Walkies a warm dimension and a heartfelt story.
