Far From Home: The Adventures of Yellow Dog

Directed by Phillip Borsos, Far From Home: The Adventures of Yellow Dog follows Jesse Bradford’s Angus McCormick as he and his loyal dog find themselves stranded on a remote island after a storm. Filmmaker Borsos, armed with his own screenplay, delivers a very gentle, very affable drama that benefits from its superb performances and often breathtaking scenery, and it’s clear, as well, that the picture’s compulsively watchable vibe is heightened by its continuing emphasis on engrossing, captivating sequences – with this especially true of the gripping interlude detailing the aforementioned storm and its aftermath. And while the movie’s midsection generally comes off as a fairly typical survival story, Far From Home: The Adventures of Yellow Dog’s overall impact is elevated by the irresistible bond between Angus and his dog (as well as by the inclusion of certain thoroughly tense moments, eg the pair’s encounter with a bobcat) – with the ongoing cutaways to Angus’ concerned parents (Bruce Davison’s John and Mimi Rogers’ Katherine) faring just as well, ultimately. By the time the emotionally-draining climax rolls around, Far From Home: The Adventures of Yellow Dog has cemented its place as a top-tier endeavor that succeeds far more often than it misfires.

***1/2 out of ****