Director Byambasuren Davaa’s follow-up to The Story of the Weeping Camel takes a classic tale of girl meets dog and sets it in the filmmaker’s native Mongolia, where it becomes an allegory of social change. The stunning, remote valleys where 6-year-old Nansaa moves around with her sheepherding, yurt-dwelling family are increasingly depopulated, as people abandon the nomadic way of life for jobs in the city. “Only stray dogs are left,” a roving hunter remarks. Enter Zochor (Mongolian for “Spot”), a wild puppy Nansaa finds in a cave. At times, the film’s Buddhist lessons feel a bit forced, but the naturalistic performances Davaa has coaxed from a real-life Mongolian family and her intimate understanding of their culture and values give this sensitive portrayal its heft. LESLIE CAMHI
The Cave of the Yellow Dog
Runs at Varsity, Fri., Dec. 8–Thurs., Dec. 14. Not rated. 90 minutes.