14/07/2025
Stray (2020): Istanbul’s Street Dogs and the Quiet Dignity of Survival
Elizabeth Lo’s Stray is a contemplative, ground-level portrait of Istanbul seen through the eyes—and footsteps—of its street dogs. Eschewing conventional narration and sentimentality, the film offers a raw, lyrical glimpse into the lives of the city’s forgotten souls, both human and canine.
At the heart of the story is Zeytin, a graceful and self-reliant dog who leads viewers through the city’s corners and contradictions. Alongside her companions Nazar and Kartal, Zeytin becomes our guide through bustling avenues, quiet ruins, and the liminal spaces where the overlooked exist. Their journey reveals not just how dogs survive on the margins, but how they observe, adapt, and even belong in ways that feel profoundly human.
What sets Stray apart is Turkey’s distinct relationship with its stray dogs—protected by law and allowed to roam freely. This unique social contract forms a poignant backdrop to the film, as dogs drift through lives marked by both care and neglect. Lo’s camera watches without intruding, capturing fleeting gestures of empathy between animals and people, and the silent resilience shared by both.
Devoid of narration or imposed narrative, the film unfolds like a visual poem—allowing space for reflection, emotion, and discovery. It’s an ode to those who live without walls or labels, whose presence is often felt but rarely acknowledged.
Ultimately, Stray isn’t just about dogs—it’s about the overlooked, the enduring, and the simple beauty of being seen.
