Although the plot is somewhat unique, and the acting acceptable, what sinks "Dead Dog" is a total lack of someone to root for. The yuppie couple, yuppie lawyer, and the jerk who hit the dog are all totally unlikable. I suppose you could say that the only character that could elicit the least bit of sympathy would be the dead dog. Everything is driven by irrational behavior, and relationships are strained, as things spiral out of control. The attraction between the policeman and the recent widow adds nothing, because these are simply two more people who we don't give a damn about. I wanted to like it, but couldn't find anyone to like. - MERK