IMDb estimates the total budget for "Dogs Lie" was $170k which, in Hollywood terms, wouldn't cover the parking tab for most big studio productions. That said, if you're scared off by indie films on a budget then you can pass on this. But if you enjoy seeing low key productions and seeing how effectively filmmakers can tell a story with limited resources, then read on.
The story is really perfect for an indie flick because it's very minimal in nature. Adapted from a play, "Dogs Lie" revolves closely around the 2 main characters "Josh" and "Iqbal" and their quirky banter while working the late shift at a sleep clinic. No, there aren't any car chases or explosions or strippers (oh, wait, actually there are a couple of those), but instead the dialogue of the 2 leads is what engages us. Just don't expect a nail-biting, pulse-pounding thrill ride because that's not the goal of this movie. Instead I would compare it to the classic "Deathtrap" (another film adapted from a play) with its word-based approach to action. Just imagine instead of Michael Caine & Christopher Reeve you get something leaning closer to Harold & Kumar.
The plot: A murder happens early in the film, and Josh & Iqbal happen to be the alibi for one of the suspects who was at the sleep clinic the night of the murder. At first this is just a peripheral event for the two, but over the course of a few shifts they begin to discuss & get deeper into the mystery as they find out more details and divulge a few themselves. As other reviewers have mentioned, what keeps this film entertaining is the humor and natural banter between the 2 main characters. Great job by both actors, Frank Boyd (Josh) and Samrat Chakrabarti (Iqbal), whom I didn't really like at first but they soon had me feeling like one of the gang with their natural chatter.
Also for no special reason I have to mention something I found hilarious, whether it was deliberate or not. Notice whenever they're talking to someone on an intercom we can't hear the person on the other end, but they still carry on normal conversations over the speaker. Sort of a surreal touch... like in the cartoon Peanuts where we never really hear adults speaking. Or maybe it was just a sound goof. Either way I really liked it.
