Dogs in Space follows the lives of a group of misfits living in a squat in Melbourne, Australia during the late 1970s. The main focus is on the punk band Dogs in Space and their frontman, Sam (played by Michael Hutchence of INXS). The other inhabitants of the squat include a drug-dealer, a performance artist, a runaway teenager, and a pregnant woman.
The film takes place in the aftermath of the breakup of Sam's relationship with Anna (played by Saskia Post), who still lives in the squat and is involved with another member of the group. As the band prepares for their first major gig, tensions rise and relationships become strained.
Meanwhile, the news is filled with reports of the falling satellite SKYLAB, which threatens to crash into their home at any moment. This impending disaster serves as a metaphor for the chaos and uncertainty of their lives.
Throughout the film, the characters struggle with issues of identity, belonging, and artistic expression. There are moments of joy and humor, but also of heartbreak and tragedy.
Dogs in Space is a cult classic of Australian cinema, known for its realistic portrayal of the punk subculture and its soundtrack featuring music from artists such as Iggy Pop and Brian Eno. It is also notable for its exploration of themes such as mental illness, drug use, and the search for meaning in a world that often seems unforgiving.
