Go To Disney+, and watch Togo

Togo is the first smash for Disney+, in regards to original movies. I found it to be a legitimately great film and such a surprise. It is filled with a lot of heart and backed up by a powerhouse performance by Willem Dafoe.

The film tells the often overlooked true story of the Siberian Husky, Togo, who was selected to lead the 1925 serum run, but was considered by most to be too small and weak to lead such an intense race. His owner’s will and faith in his best boy were so strong that he trusted him to lead anyways — strengthening their bond along the journey. Through it all, Togo proves himself worthy of the title “man’s best friend”.

Admittedly, I had never heard of the real story that the film is based on before its release, but having done my research on the subject matter — I firmly believe that Disney has done justice to its legacy.

Dafoe shines in his portrayal of Togo’s owner, the heroic Leonhard Seppala, delivering one of the best roles of his career. Seppala’s relationship with Togo and the other dogs is portrayed in such a beautiful and heartfelt way.

Although the PG-rated film is streaming on the family friendly streaming app, it is rather serious and slow-paced, which will likely be off-putting to children. I gave it a 0 Incluvie score, but a high general score, due to the lack of minorities and only one prominent female character: Seppala’s wife. The minority absence, however, isn’t a bad thing because it fits with the movie’s time period.