“Wonderful characters who anchor the story and could potentially draw in marquee names in the leading roles.”
— from The Black List (8.18.25)
“Brilliantly done …the writer creates a very real threat, and with it gives the audience a chilling depiction of fascistic gaslighting.
— from Shore Scripts (8.28.25)
“A genuinely endearing protagonist … there is no denying the power and vitality of the script's thematic focus on acceptance, resistance, and courage.”
— from The Black List (3.18.25)
“It’s rare to read a writer who can create such a unique hook for a movie and do so in a way that offers poignant commentary on modern problems… seeking not only to entertain but to inspire thought and real change.”
— from The Black List (8.16.25)
“These characters breathe warmth and authenticity.”
— from Dustin Lee, Script Ventures (7.30.25)
“The metaphor of small dogs as ‘undesirable weakness’ is starkly powerful… Gender identity, grief, legacy, and moral courage are all beautifully interwoven.”
— from Sam Haillay (7.26.25)
“This script has a deeply American soul despite its dystopian and anti-MAGA critique… it has the potential to become a cultural conversation piece.”
— from Dustin Lee, Script Ventures (7.30.25)
“There aren’t many strongly thematic family dramas like this capturing the current times.”
— from Slamdance (7.13.25)
“There is a lot of meaning and nuance woven into the fabric of the narrative that gives the story tremendous depth … an incredibly poignant finale will certainly resonate with moviegoers.”
— from The Black List (8.18.25)
“A powerful and harrowing script… The tone is enrapturing throughout. It’s always tense and uncertain, as if the doors might be broken down at any moment, and those consequences faced.”
— from The Black List (3.1.25)
“The dialogue remains the jewel in the crown of this script.”
— from Shore Scripts (8.2.25)
“…will tug at the heartstrings of moviegoers.”
— from The Black List (8.18.25)
“The premise involving a government crackdown on small dogs is absolutely genius … giving this worldwide appeal in a highly competitive feature film market.”
— from The Black List (8.18.25)
“The script juggles multiple allegorical layers that move from grounded drama, to outright satire, to poetic coming-of-age … there are moments of inspiration and potential for something culturally resonant here.”
— from Dustin Lee, Script Ventures (7.30.25)
“The script’s central conceit (legislated euthanasia of small dogs as a metaphor for intolerance and authoritarianism) is bold, unsettling, and compelling. It feels like an allegorical dystopia for our time.”
— from Sam Haillay (7.26.25)
“At first, the idea of outlawing small dogs may seem ridiculous ... but in the context of our times, it’s less absurd than stripping rights away from all women and the LGBTQ community.”
— from Slamdance (7.13.25)
“The unique concept is immediately engaging, creating an alternative reality. The writer does a great job of pulling on emotional heartstrings by using small dogs that are easy to connect with. The script brings up important themes involving grief, identity, and political control that are socially relevant through clever metaphors throughout the story. The relationship between Hank and his father is well written with solid, relatable conflicts as Hank’s true identity comes to light and Hank Sr.’s decision over his business gets complicated. The blend of dark comedy and thriller elements is reminiscent of Coen Brothers films and the recent successful film, WEAPONS, creating a memorable tone. The writer does not shy away from disturbing, brutal moments without becoming too dark and sustaining a fun, suspenseful tone. Tension is where this story thrives, with highly emotional moments, and the writer brilliantly brings the plot full circle as D.A.D. Marshals invade while Peek and other small dogs run for freedom. Hank’s emotional moment saying goodbye to Peek is the strongest part of the story that leaves a lasting, heartfelt impact.”
— from The Black List (12.3.2025)
