Stray

Stray is a poignant documentary released in 2020 that focuses on the lives of three stray dogs, Zeytin, Nazar, and Kartal, roaming freely on the streets of Istanbul, Turkey. Directed, produced, and shot by Elizabeth Lo, Stray is a comprehensive study of social norms, humanity, and unconditional love. It is not merely about dogs, but is also a unique representation of society, culture, and the daily hustle of life.

In 2004, Turkey passed a law prohibiting the euthanasia or holding captive of stray dogs. The film explores the implications of this different perspective towards stray animals, which contrasts starkly with most other parts of the world. The cityscape of Istanbul comes alive under Lo’s direction, becoming a playground for its four-legged citizens who are integral, non-negligible parts of the city's social fabric.

The movie begins with Zeytin, a beautiful tan-colored bitch, her piercing eyes narrating untold tales of struggle and survival. Zeytin is notably independent, observing humans and their world with an evident, unspoken curiosity. Her life patterns consist of wandering through the busy lanes, discovering food, and socializing with other stray dogs.

Nazar is another prominent figure in the film. She exhibits a different kind of dog life in Istanbul, one of motherhood and unyielding care. Kartal, a puppy, enters the scene after being rescued from a construction site. His vulnerability and naivety add a different layer to the narrative, depicting what survival looks like for the youngest of the pack.

Each of these dogs showcases various aspects of being a stray, providing intimate insights into the daily struggles and the little joys they come across. It is through these animals that the viewer engages with the bustling city life of Istanbul, its inhabitants, and their contrasting attitudes. From kind-hearted strangers who provide regular meals to these canines, to passersby who exhibit indifference, hostility, or fear - the dogs' interactions reveal more about us as humans than the creatures themselves.

Interjecting shots of everyday city life, the streets filled with protests, clashes with police, or the party lifestyle of the vibrant city, Lo has captured variants of human life observed through the gaze of these dogs. In the movie, the narrative intertwines with that of a group of young Syrian refugees, who like Zeytin and her ilk, are also trying to carve out an existence within this hustling city.

The star of the show is Zeytin, an embodiment of resilience and persistence. Her journey, the interactions she has with other strays, humans, and the city at large, form the crux of the narrative. While the viewers catch glimpses of human life and its unique ordeals, at no point does the focus shift away from the three dog protagonists. The quiet moments when the dogs are sleeping, their playful fights, how they lovingly roll around in the fields, and scamper down roads and into alleyways, make up the soul of this film.

The documentary doesn’t shy away from showing the real-life struggles these dogs face, such as finding food, protecting their territories, or searching for shelter. However, the film is in no way dark or depressive. On the contrary, it portrays the incessant spirit of survival, captured beautifully in the heartwarming scenes, and an underlying theme of finding joy in the smallest moments regardless of circumstances.

Stray doesn’t have a traditional storyline, nor does it need one. It doesn’t rely on voice-overs to explain what is happening or display any form of human intervention in the storytelling. There are minimal dialogues, making the audience rely on visuals and ambient sound. Despite this, the documentary portrays a compelling narrative, readable only by understanding the language of these dogs and interpreting their reactions in various situations.

In essence, Stray is a beautifully shot documentary exploring the intriguing lives of street dogs and their intermingling with the human world in the exotic city of Istanbul. It’s a tale of survival, challenge, and the true spirit of life seen through the eyes of creatures we often overlook - fulfilling a reminder of our shared world and our responsibility to treat all its inhabitants with compassion.