Quick Info
Best in Show is a mockumentary comedy that follows a quirky bunch of dog owners (and their four-legged partners) on their way to a prestigious national dog show. Christopher Guest directs, and the humor is just so dry and deadpan—it feels both affectionate and a little bit ruthless toward the weird subculture around competitive dog showing. The movie is structured as a series of character vignettes that gradually crisscross as the big event draws near.
The cast is loaded with comedic talent, including Jennifer Coolidge, Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, and Parker Posey. Everyone really commits to their oddball roles, especially Posey as an outrageously neurotic yuppie and Levy/O'Hara as a hilariously awkward couple with some marital secrets. The improvisational style shines throughout—they play off each other in ways that feel unscripted but perfectly in character.
I do think the pacing can drag in a couple spots—some characters are just stronger (and funnier) than others, so you might find yourself wishing the film spent more time with your favorites. Some of the humor is subtle and very character-based, which means a few jokes might slip by if you’re not paying attention. But when it lands, it’s genuinely laugh-out-loud funny.
Visually, the film has that lo-fi, documentary-like style—nothing flashy, but it works for making the absurd situations feel just a little more real. The dog show scenes are a highlight, blending tension and hilarity as the owners’ nerves get more frayed with every round. The soundtrack is playful without drawing too much attention.
You would enjoy this if you like sharp, true-to-life satire—a bit along the lines of The Office, but with even more earnest weirdos. If you’ve ever loved a pet or just like movies that poke fun at people without being mean-spirited, this one is worth a watch. Plus, you'll probably walk away quoting at least one line.
