‘Caramelo’ (2025) Netflix Movie Review - Heavily Predictable

So the makers of Caramelo used every potential ingredient to make what they thought would be a successful dog film. Partly reminding us of “Marley and Me” as well as “The Art of Racing in the Rain”, Caramelo is the story of a caramel, mischievous dog. He is an orphan until one day he accidentally meets his potential human, a chef named Pedro. Though initially reluctant, pitying him because Caramelo was getting wet in the rain, Pedro decides to take him in. But having a dog is not an easy job. And Caramelo proves that. He ends up creating havoc in Pedro’s house. On the other hand, Pedro isn’t having the life of his dreams. He has a brain tumor, which he is unaware of, that also gives him constant headaches. However, it is because of continuous lickings by Caramelo on Pedro's head that serves as an indication that something is not right with Pedro. Once his diagnoses come out to be true, Pedro realizes Caramelo’s importance and decides to keep him formally. Together, they become the best companions. Caramelo is also the reason why Pedro met the love of his life, Camila, since she runs a pet training program. But with Pedro’s condition, how long will the bond last? Will Pedro get the life of his dreams with Camilla and Caramelo? Having lost his friend Leo to a similar condition, Pedro, too, can see his life ahead of himself. Will there be a miracle that will save?

So, as I mentioned right at the beginning, the makers thought that adding a brain tumor patient and a dog who helps the patient would make it successful, as the entire plot will become empathic.  But that sadly just ended up making the entire movie highly predictable. Even Pedro’s love life didn’t really offer any breath of difference. Hence, while watching it, I just felt that I didn’t get anything new. Perhaps most dog stories are similar, but I am sure we would all have liked something unique.

Coming to the pacing, the pacing is fine. That is one good thing. Because imagine watching a movie that you happen to know scene by scene, and it's so slow that it makes you want to pull your hair in frustration. So I am indeed grateful to the makers for sparing us. The dialogs are very basic. It’s the scenes that add value to the entire film. Even the acting wasn’t something that left a lasting impact. I believe that if the plot wasn’t worth it, even the acting fades away. The entire storyline is heavily borrowed, and it gets annoying to watch. My suggestion is that there are better releases for this week. One should invest their time and energy in that instead of watching this already known plot.

Final Score- [4/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Choudhuri
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times