Watch Rescued by Ruby

Rescued by Ruby is a heartfelt movie released in 2022 that draws audiences into a story about hope, determination, and the incredible bond between humans and animals. Directed by Katt Shea, the film stars Grant Gustin, best known for his role as Barry Allen in "The Flash," along with other talented actors including Scott Wolf and Kaylah Zander. This feel-good family drama, based on a true story, is about chasing dreams, overcoming obstacles, and discovering that sometimes the help you need can come from the most unexpected places.

The movie centers on the character of Dan, played with charm and affability by Grant Gustin. Dan is a state trooper with aspirations of joining the K-9 search and rescue team, but he constantly finds himself facing rejection. Despite his unwavering determination and hard work, Dan’s dream seems just out of reach as he lacks the one essential requirement—a dog.

Enter Ruby, portrayed through an energetic and engaging performance by a shelter dog named Bear. Ruby is an Australian Shepherd and Border Collie mix with a boisterous personality and plenty of quirks. Her intelligence and energy are unmatched, yet she repeatedly finds herself neglected and on the brink of being unadoptable due to her rambunctious nature. At the shelter, Ruby is running out of chances, desperately in need of someone who can understand her true potential.

The paths of Dan and Ruby cross when Dan takes a leap of faith and decides to rescue her, initiating an extraordinary friendship. Ruby is everything that a K-9 unit seeks—a quick learner, loyal, and with an exceptional sense of smell and intuition. However, training Ruby is no simple task. Their journey is filled with challenges as Dan must learn the ins and outs of dog training while grappling with Ruby’s headstrong behavior.

Scott Wolf plays Matt, a seasoned K-9 officer who becomes a mentor to Dan. He guides Dan through the training process, offering wisdom and support, but also setting high expectations. He believes that with the right guidance and a lot of effort, any dog can become a hero—and he suspects Ruby might just have what it takes. As the bond between Dan and Ruby fortifies, they begin to unlock each other's potential in ways neither could have anticipated.

Kaylah Zander plays the role of Melissa, Dan’s wife, who fully supports his dreams despite the strains it sometimes puts on their personal lives. Melissa allows the narrative to reveal the essential familial support that is crucial in undertaking pursuits like Dan’s while also providing emotional depth to their relationship. Her character adds another layer that emphasizes the emotional support behind pursuing one's passion.

As Dan and Ruby train together, they face a series of hurdles that threaten to derail their ambitions. The film captures the essence of persistence as Dan and Ruby work tirelessly to prepare for the rigorous certification exams required to become a part of the official search and rescue team. While the plot focuses on their partnership, it is also an underdog story about second chances – both for Dan, who seeks to rise through the ranks, and Ruby, who is given a new lease on life and purpose.

With scenes filled with playful antics, comical missteps, and touching moments, Rescued by Ruby doesn’t just focus on the hard work and repetitive training but allows the viewers to see the evolution of the relationship between the protagonist and his dog. The film excels in encapsulating the frustrations and triumphs of dog training, yet it manages to maintain a lighthearted and inspirational tone throughout.

The cinematography lends a warm, inviting look to the film, drawing viewers into the New England landscapes that serve as the backdrop for Dan and Ruby's journey. The natural scenes of training in the great outdoors add to the sincerity of the narrative and compliment the authenticity of the actors' performances.

Furthermore, the movie is not solely about accomplishing goals but is just as much about self-discovery and understanding the nature of kinship. As viewers, we witness how an animal's unconditional love can not only enrich human lives but also inspire greatness. Rescued by Ruby stands as a testament to the idea that sometimes, taking a chance on the underdog—be it a dog or a person—can yield the most rewarding of outcomes.

Although based on real events, Rescued by Ruby captures a timeless message that transcends its narrative. This touching story of companionship is a reminder of the incredible ways we can transform each other's lives and the extraordinary results that come from patience, compassion, and perseverance. It is a testament to the notion that with enough heart and determination, even the furriest of friends can become the heroes we need.

Rescued by Ruby is a 2022 kids & family movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.