Pick of the Litter
Sundance Selects | Release Date: August 31, 2018 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
64
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 17 Critic Reviews
Positive:
13
Mixed:
4
Negative:
0
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
90
Film Journal InternationalDoris ToumarkineSep 7, 2018
Devoid of any corniness, sentimentality or condescension, Pick of the Litter is a must for dog lovers, but it will also serve all those needing reminders of how kind, decent and giving humans can be and the role dogs play in our lives. Read full review
80
Film ThreatBradley GibsonAug 30, 2018
Hardy and Nachman’s film is the uncommon near-perfect documentary: the filmic elements fade, done so well the viewer focuses on the dogs and their journey. All of this leads up to the tremendous joy of freedom and partnership for those whose lives are transformed by their new guide dogs. Read full review
80
Los Angeles TimesKatie WalshAug 30, 2018
This film — which follows the process as a litter of puppies make their way through training to become guide dogs for the blind — shows us the best in humanity, as well as the best in dogs. Read full review
75
The Seattle TimesMoira MacdonaldSep 13, 2018
Every dog in this sweetly earnest movie seems to have a strong sense of responsibility. Read full review
75
San Francisco ChronicleWalter AddiegoSep 6, 2018
While Pick of the Litter can’t be described as innovative, it still creates a solid emotional punch when we see several of the five now-grown dogs finally matched with grateful humans. It’s quite moving to hear the recipients detail how liberating it is to have the assistance of one of these amazing animals. Read full review
75
RogerEbert.comTomris LafflyAug 31, 2018
An uplifting, sometimes bittersweet journey captured over a two-year period. You will certainly submit to the film’s disarmingly gush-out-loud moments and perhaps even embarrass yourself with a few involuntary squeaks. Read full review
70
The Hollywood ReporterJustin LoweAug 30, 2018
Nachman and Hardy have produced another winning and relatable doc combining emotive storytelling with concisely focused filmmaking that's sure to charm viewers well beyond a sizable audience of dog lovers. Read full review
70
SlateMarissa MartinelliAug 30, 2018
As cuddly as this may sound, the documentary is unexpectedly suspenseful, even intense. Read full review
70
The New York TimesBen KenigsbergAug 30, 2018
In short, Pick of the Litter makes for unexpectedly suspenseful (and perhaps not entirely reputable) viewing. Read full review
67
Christian Science MonitorPeter RainerSep 14, 2018
The best part of the movie is when the few who make it through are introduced to their new owners. It’s love at first touch. Read full review
67
Austin ChronicleRichard WhittakerSep 13, 2018
It's not the kind of story to win Oscars, but it will definitely make you want to pet a pupper. Read full review
65
TheWrapDave WhiteAug 30, 2018
Subject matter alone makes Pick of the Litter, if not especially memorable, a gently lovable outing. Read full review
63
Boston GlobeTy BurrSep 12, 2018
“Pick” often feels like a project that has been overly groomed. Will you still be moved to tears? Most likely. Read full review
60
The GuardianPhil HoadMay 18, 2019
The finale is more of a schmaltzy salute to the guide-dog ethos than intimate documentation of the new owners’ stories. The street training sequences, though – shot in swooping knee-high Steadicam – are thrilling; mini kerbside action movies. Read full review
60
Village VoiceAlan ScherstuhlAug 28, 2018
What are the concerns of coherent storytelling or in-depth documentation when all of these good boys and girls — yes they are! — are leaping and licking and tail-wagging and just being the best? Read full review
50
VarietyDennis HarveyApr 18, 2018
“Pick” is brisk and pleasant, but not terribly involving or memorable. Read full review
40
The Observer (UK)Wendy IdeMay 19, 2019
In a tussle between the appeal of the subject and the plodding banality of the approach, the pups are ultimately the losers. Read full review
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