YEAR OF THE DOG

Year: 2007
USA: Paramount Vantage
UK: Paramount Pictures UK
Cast: Molly Shannon, Laura Dern, Regina King, Tom McCarthy, Josh Pais, John C Reilly, Peter Sarsgaard, Amy Schlagel, Zoe Schlagel, Dale Godboldo, Inara George, Liza Weil, Jon Shere, Christy Lynn Moore, Audrey Wasilewski, Brenda Canela, Craig Cackowski, Steve Berg, Susan Mackin, Chuck Duffy, Sonya Eddy, Ursula Brauner, Giddle Partridge
Director: Mike White
Country: USA
USA & UK: 97 mins
USA Rated: PG-13 for some suggestive references
UK Certificate: PG contains mild language and sex references
USA Release Date: 13 April 2007 (Limited Release)
UK Release Date: 31 August 2007 (Limited Release)


UK Distributor

Synopsis

Like millions of people, Peggy (Molly Shannon) has found a comfortable niche in which to live. She has a solid administrative job, close family and the dependable companionship of her dog, Pencil.

This stable status quo is rocked when Pencil's sudden death leaves Peggy reeling in a world devoid of meaning without him. Her quest for happiness leads her to the attractive, yet ambiguous Newt (Peter Sarsgaard) who introduces her to animal activism, a vegan lifestyle and even a new dog. Inspired by Newt, Peggy unleashes an obsession with animal rights and dog placement, which greatly concerns her brother (Thomas McCarthy), sister-in-law (Laura Dern), best friend (Regina King), neighbor (John C Reilly) and boss (Josh Pais) who all feel her life is dangerously out of balance.

Unable to overcome continuing disappointment with her fellow human beings, Peggy ultimately makes a heartfelt commitment to the animal world, where, for her, the love is unconditional and satisfaction is guaranteed. She emerges from her loss with a new found sense of her place in the world and what it takes to make her happy.