Roufus the dog was all fun and games when life was shut down during Covid, but as life restarts, the dog sadly becomes more like a burden in Rikhil Bahadur’s Homeless.
“Homeless” is an 18-minute short film that takes us on a Hallmark-stamped, tender, and familiar journey. It’s about being lost and found, and the connections we form in unexpected places. While the film hits all the familiar beats, it does so with a genuinely feel-good sincerity, like a warm cup of cocoa on a briskly cold night that comforts the audience like a blanket, which happens to be both a strength and a weakness.
Roufus is a dog with a lot of personality, brought to life by Rocco the Adorabull, who we meet caught in the crossfire of a strained relationship between Linda (Evelyn Tran) and Katie (Sam van Gogh). The early scenes in their apartment establish a relationship that’s less about fiery conflict and more about weary disconnection. Tran and van Gogh deliver performances that capture an understated tension.
Bahadur uses the setting here in an interesting way. Even when things are a bit strained, there’s a visual brightness to the imagery that keeps things from feeling too heavy. And when Roufus is abandoned, it’s an affecting moment, largely due to Rocco’s expressive presence. There’s a sweetness to this dog that the camera captures in close-ups, and because the stakes remain relatively low throughout the short film’s run time, it helps maintain an overall hopeful tone.
With some clever editing, Homeless finds its emotional centre, funnily enough, in the middle of the film, when Roufus encounters Fred (Blakely David), a homeless man, and the tone becomes a more uplifting and heart-warming narrative. David’s portrayal of Fred is very tender, showcasing a quiet kindness and resilience. He embodies a character often seen in these types of films, avoiding the usual stereotypical depictions of homelessness, giving us someone who finds his purpose caring for Roufus. The relationship between Fred and Roufus emphasizes a connection built on mutual need – a stark contrast to the earlier scenes between Linda and Katie. Roufus and Fred are without a traditional home, and this is what connects them, finding comfort in each other and the power of companionship. The film does acknowledge the harsh realities of homelessness with an attempted robbery, reminding us of Fred’s vulnerability, but the focus remains solely on the resilience of man and dog.
The cinematography by Dan Barham uses warm colours to capture the unspoken language between dogs and humans, using natural light and close-ups to create a sense of intimacy that draws us into their emotional world. This altogether enhances the film’s optimistic and feel-good tone.
In the end, Homeless is a touching short film delivering a viewing experience that is reassuring, if not groundbreaking, much like the heartwarming Hallmark Channel movies. Through the eyes of a dog called Roufus, the film gives us all the familiar emotional beats of many feel-good family films.
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