Nirmal Anand's Puppy

Running time: 100 mins

The smallest things can create the biggest changes.

Nirmal and Sarah, with one child, another on the way, and their dog Parie (from "pariah," since she is a rescue dog), are young, successful, modern urban professionals, seemingly happy and secure. But the crisis caused by a veritable onslaught of unexpected changes calls the life they've created together, perhaps even their love for one another, into question. As they deal with their own situation, these sympathetic characters invite us to examine ourselves as well, showing us just how alike we all are around the world, with the same feelings, desires, and worries. Full of tenderness, warmth, and emotional resonance, this lovely, intelligent film is proof of the endurance and quality of India's independent cinema.– Karel Kohout