Maggie Collins 

Arts and Entertainment Editor 

Photo credit: Carlos Rodriguez/Lionsgate

I do not always walk out of a movie theater with my heart fuller than when I went in. However, Arthur the King is a movie that made me do just that while sparking every emotion.   

Movies about dogs pull the audience’s heartstrings, and despite knowing this, they always draw us in. If you fell unknowingly (like me) into the trap of Marley & Me and you still have unhealed trauma from that movie, I will do you a huge favor and let you know that you are safe from a similar turn of events in this movie.   

The film reveals that it’s based on the true story of an adventure racer named Mikael Lindnord, played by Mark Wahlberg (and renamed Michael Light). He has struggled in the past with being a team player. When he decides to get back into the sport, he recruits four others to join his team: an exceptional climber, a knowledgeable social media influencer, and an experienced racer with a bad knee.  

During the race, Michael connects with a stray dog, who we’ve previously seen struggling to find food and shelter. After giving the dog a few meatballs, something about the stray changes Michael’s outlook, and he becomes dedicated to himself and the team. Michael names the dog Arthur because of his regal appearance. Arthur begins to follow the team through treacherous terrain and even saves their lives one night after they unknowingly walk into danger. Although he is malnourished and has some critical wounds, Arthur helps guide the team through the 430-mile race.   

The invigorating action of the team navigating the tricky terrain will keep you engaged as they venture through the beautiful scenery of the Dominican Republic. The audience can soak it all in, something the racers couldn’t enjoy because of their focus on surviving and finishing the race on time.   

Before the end credits start rolling, photographs show the real people involved in this remarkably inspiring story. The real Arthur, who inspired the whole film, tragically passed away in 2020 after being diagnosed with a malignant tumor. Ultimately, this leaves the movie as a dedication to him and the impact he had on bringing a team together through some of the most challenging parts of an adventure race.  

Arthur the King was released on March 15 and is only available in theaters. According to Screen Rant, Arthur’s story inspired the launch of The Arthur Foundation in 2017, which aims to help dogs worldwide receive better care. The foundation’s efforts include supporting the passing of the LOBA law in Ecuador (Ley Organica de Bienestar Animal or (Organic Law of Animal Welfare), which went into effect in April 2018. You can find out more about the foundation at http://www.arthurfoundation.se/.