Best in Show

In a mock‑documentary style that feels both intimate and exaggerated, the film follows a quirky ensemble converging on the prestigious Mayflower Kennel Club Dog Show in Philadelphia. The camera glides through hotel lobbies, backstage corridors, and the polished arena, capturing the earnestness and absurdity of a world where canine prestige reigns supreme. A gentle, dry humor underpins every interaction, inviting the audience to admire the earnest devotion of the participants while chuckling at the inevitable eccentricities that surface when passion meets competition.

Among the contenders, Gerry Fleck and his wife Cookie arrive from Florida with their spirited Norwich Terrier, a pair whose modest, middle‑class charm quickly collides with the pressures of a high‑stakes event. Their humble optimism is mirrored in the dynamics of the affluent duo Meg Swan and Hamilton, whose obsessive care for a Weimaraner borders on the theatrical, turning routine grooming into a ritual of near‑prayer. Meanwhile, Harlan Pepper tends to a lineage of Bloodhounds with a quiet reverence, his unassuming demeanor hinting at hidden aspirations that linger just beneath the surface.

The film also spotlights Sherri Ann Cabot, a flamboyant veteran of the circuit, and her longtime companion Leslie Ward, whose partnership is punctuated by a brilliantly groomed standard poodle and the subtle currents of shifting loyalties. Adding a sharper edge, Scott Donlan and Stefan Vanderhoof parade their proud Shih Tzu with a swagger that borders on snobbery, their commentary offering a witty counterpoint to the surrounding optimism. Each character is rendered with affectionate detail, their personalities amplified by the documentary format’s lingering close‑ups and candid interviews.

Together, these diverse owners and their beloved dogs create a colorful tapestry of ambition, idiosyncrasy, and affection. The film’s tone balances reverent homage to the art of dog showing with a playful satire that celebrates the lengths people will go to showcase their four‑legged companions, leaving viewers both charmed and amused by the delightful parade of personalities that inhabit this uniquely competitive world.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 12:35