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Dean Spanley

Play trailer Poster for Dean Spanley PG 2008 1h 40m Comedy Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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88% Tomatometer 32 Reviews 81% Popcornmeter 500+ Ratings
After attending a talk on reincarnation by a visiting swami (Art Malik), sickly Horatio Fisk (Peter O'Toole), who is still grieving over the death of his eldest son, and his youngest son, Henslowe (Jeremy Northam), meet the charismatic Dean Spanley (Sam Neill) and the businessman Wrather (Bryan Brown). Horatio and Dean become fast friends and meet up frequently for dinner. Dean, though, is no ordinary guest. He claims to be the reincarnation of a dog, which only intrigues Horatio more.
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Dean Spanley

Dean Spanley

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Critics Consensus

Offbeat, whimsical, period-set shaggy dog story with daffy performances from Sam Neill and Peter O'Toole.

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Critics Reviews

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Deborah Ross The Spectator Aug 23, 2018
Yes, this is a thin tale overstretched, a snack straining to be dinner, but this isn't to say it doesn't have its joys, because it does... It's ultimate doggyness is a joy. Go to Full Review Philippa Hawker The Age (Australia) Mar 6, 2009
Fraser and Sharp have structured the film, and the cast interpret it, so that comedy and poignancy are intertwined to the last; even as all is revealed, a sense of wonder remains. Go to Full Review Anna Smith Empire Magazine Dec 12, 2008
4/5
Wilfully whimsical and determinedly eccentric, this faintly bonkers period tale won't be for everyone. But if you fall for Dean Spanley, you'll fall hard. Go to Full Review Eddie Harrison film-authority.com Jul 14, 2026
4/5
...a shaggy dog story in several ways, but the light whimsy and philosophical depth makes this something of a treat for discerning viewers…Dean Spanley gives the late Sam Neil the unique challenge of playing both a vicar and a dog at the same time… Go to Full Review Jason Best Movie Talk Nov 15, 2020
It may take a while to get there, but the film's moving emotional payoff, embracing reconciliation and redemption, grief and consolation, is well worth the wait. Go to Full Review Andrew F. Peirce The Curb Sep 2, 2020
Dean Spanley is a film that predominantly operates within the realm of light comedy, it does so with a powerful meditation on the resonance of grief across a lifetime. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Robert P @Superbad 5 days ago Dean Spanley is a 4.5 star Movie! See more Dylan M @RT44602418 May 25, 2025 This is an incredible film portrayal of a quirky and unique book. They couldn't have achieved a better cast. See more Jessica B @RT52025272 Apr 20, 2023 Watched this after reading mention of this movie in Sam Neils book. Lovely heartwarming movie that I will watch again See more May 9, 2021 10/10 - that is all I can say for a movie that had me fixed to my chair. See more Apr 20, 2020 Absolutely stunning! See more Jul 11, 2019 Film making as it should be. Another Peter O'Toole tour de force. See more Read all reviews
Dean Spanley

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Cast & Crew

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Toa Fraser

Director

Jeremy Northam

Fisk Jr.

Sam Neill

Dean Spanley

Bryan Brown

Wrather

Peter O'Toole

Fisk Sr.

Judy Parfitt

Mrs. Brimley

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Dean Spanley

Dean Spanley (2008) Dean Spanley (2008) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis After attending a talk on reincarnation by a visiting swami (Art Malik), sickly Horatio Fisk (Peter O'Toole), who is still grieving over the death of his eldest son, and his youngest son, Henslowe (Jeremy Northam), meet the charismatic Dean Spanley (Sam Neill) and the businessman Wrather (Bryan Brown). Horatio and Dean become fast friends and meet up frequently for dinner. Dean, though, is no ordinary guest. He claims to be the reincarnation of a dog, which only intrigues Horatio more.
Director
Toa Fraser
Producer
Matthew Metcalfe, Alan Harris
Screenwriter
Alan Sharp
Rating
PG (Some Thematic Material|Mild Language)
Genre
Comedy, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Oct 8, 2016
Runtime
1h 40m
Sound Mix
Dolby Digital
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