A GIRL’S BEST FRIEND
A child, a cop, and a deeply Christian story of adoption.
Should You Watch It?
Yes. A GIRL’S BEST FRIEND is a warm, inspiring television movie with a strong Christian worldview, professional acting, appealing characters, and a story centered on compassion, prayer, faith, and family.
The film does involve a seriously ill mother, a child’s fear of being sent to an orphanage, and grief. It also includes implied beer drinking and lies from its young protagonist. Those elements are handled within a hopeful moral framework, and the movie’s emphasis on God, childlike faith, and adoption gives the story lasting spiritual weight.
For an uplifting family viewing experience, watch it together.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESCooper Brawn is a cynical, tough K-9 cop trying to rekindle a relationship with his former fiancée, Samantha. His life changes when Penelope “Polka-Dot” Daught, an only child caring for her severely ill mother, creates a “Cops for Kids” program involving Cooper’s police dog, Luey.
Polka-Dot is a devoted fan of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and draws courage from Huck Finn. As her family situation becomes more difficult, her new connection with Cooper leads the story in an unexpected and deeply moving direction.
Is It Any Good?
Four stars means this is a notably effective family television movie. The acting is good, the cinematography is professional, and the performances help viewers connect emotionally with the characters.
The movie does have a made-for-TV feel, but that is expected. It also includes creative, artistic shots that add to the film’s overall quality and help arouse the viewer’s emotions. The characters have psychological and emotional depth, making the movie surprisingly well made and engaging.
The Worldview
A GIRL’S BEST FRIEND presents a very strong Christian, biblical, and moral worldview. A pastor speaks positively about God and offers a theologically sound understanding of Him. Polka-Dot’s simple, childlike faith is also central: she asks the pastor how prayer works and prays for her mother’s health.
The movie treats children as precious and spiritually significant. Its ending beautifully captures the Christian doctrine of adoption, showing how a child can receive a father she never had. That picture points to the deeper truth that God adopts believers into His family through Jesus Christ.
The film’s central themes align closely with Scripture’s teaching about children, prayer, faith, and adoption. As Paul writes, “In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will” (Ephesians 1:5).
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Content Summary
Very strong Christian, biblical, moral worldview, with positive references about God, prayer, faith, Scripture, and a beautiful ending that contains adoption of an orphan, a representation of God adopting believers into his family; no foul language; no violence; no sexual content; no nudity; implied beer drinking; no smoking or drug use; and, 12-year-old female protagonist lies about her mother and her whereabouts.
Talk About It
Four questions for the couch, the commute, or the couple bingeing it together.
Polka-Dot asks how prayer works and continues to trust God. What does childlike faith look like in your life?
Matthew 19:14 · Mark 10:15The story connects adoption with receiving a loving father. How does Scripture describe God’s adoption of believers?
Ephesians 1:5 · Romans 8:15Polka-Dot lies about her mother and her whereabouts because she is afraid. Why is fear sometimes connected to dishonesty, and how can we respond truthfully when we are afraid?
Proverbs 12:22 · Ephesians 4:25The film shows compassion growing between a child and a tough police officer. How does Jesus call His followers to care for vulnerable people?
James 1:27 · Galatians 6:2The Final Word
A GIRL’S BEST FRIEND is a surprisingly well-made, emotionally engaging family movie with a strong Christian worldview. Its themes of prayer, childlike faith, compassion, and adoption make it an excellent choice for families of all ages. WORTH WATCHING.
