Molly Shannon plays the role of Peggy, a horribly misunderstood secretary. The characters she interacts with throughout the film see her for what she is on the surface; kind, steady, predictable. The underlying angst for Peggy is that she may never be fully understood for who she really is.
The one light in this situation is her dog, Pencil, who 15 minutes into the film dies of toxic poisoning. As the only one who understood her, Peggy now feels utterly alone.
Newt, played by Peter Sarsgaard, an animal shelter worker enters to fill this in a small way by providing her with a new dog and human companionship. It is through him that Peggy discovers the sanctity of life; animal life. She then begins to delve into the world of animal exploitation. The reality of this issue opens Peggy's eyes to the insincerity of much of the world she lives in. She is then able to recognize that unless she surrounds her self with those who will care for what she cares for she cannot be satisfied in her life.
The understated character of Peggy mixed with the hilarity of her (ridiculous) friends make this movie an easy watch. Add to this the flavor of Laura Dern, John C. Riley and John Pais and you're guaranteed a win. You're left with more, though. The call to see beneath the surface of those who surround you to they truly are; and to identify the good, within the bad, and fight for it to come out on top.
If you're left confused and questioning the production of such a film, don't worry. I was too. Let it sit a bit. The more you think about it, the more you might realize how brilliant it truly was.
