Think Like a Dog 2020

Oliver Reed, a 12-year-old tech genius, navigates life with his caring parents, Lukas and Ellen, and his loyal dog, Henry. Gifted in science, Oliver devotes his time to inventing technologies. Yet, despite the strong support from his family and his deep bond with Henry, he grapples with insecurities at school, particularly around his crush, Sophie.

Determined to shine at the middle-school science fair, Oliver concocts an ambitious plan: a device intended to read minds. Unfortunately, when a vindictive bully sabotages his demonstration, it ends in spectacular failure, leaving Oliver embarrassed and disheartened, especially with Sophie witnessing the ordeal.

Rather than giving up, Oliver resolves to perfect his invention. He engages with his friend Xiao in China for collaboration and advice on scientific innovations. In pursuit of success, he conducts another experiment at home. During this attempt, an unforeseen electrical incident ensnares both him and Henry. Initially thinking the attempt was another failure, he soon discovers that he can hear Henry’s thoughts, establishing a remarkable telepathic bond between them.

Both boys are astonished; Oliver has always loved Henry, but this communication unveils a deeper friendship. Through Henry’s candid thoughts—centered on loyalty, love, food, and living in the moment—Oliver gains insights that help boost his confidence, especially with Sophie and his peers. Alongside this, he experiments further, realizing his invention unintentionally surpassed his original aim.

As time progresses, Oliver becomes increasingly aware of the strain on his parents’ relationship. The ongoing arguments between Lukas and Ellen create unease, leading Oliver to fear the possibility of their separation. With Henry’s guidance, he learns to appreciate the significance of love and connection, reminding him that some problems cannot be solved with technology alone.

The buzz around Oliver’s innovative breakthrough eventually captures the attention of Mr. Mills, a powerful tech entrepreneur, who seeks to exploit Oliver’s invention for his interests. Furthermore, government agents Callen and Munoz take notice of Oliver after Xiao’s hacking incident involving Indium 6, a crucial communications satellite. Unintentionally, Oliver’s experiments and their consequences thrust him into a precarious position between well-meaning intentions and the dangerous interests of adults.

As Mills grows increasingly adamant about obtaining Oliver’s invention, tensions escalate. He orchestrates Oliver and Henry’s kidnapping during a school dance, aiming to exert control over the technology. In a twist of fate, Henry escapes and calls upon other neighborhood dogs to help rescue Oliver. With their assistance, the dogs thwart Mills’ plans, allowing Oliver to attend the dance. There, he creates a heartfelt moment between his parents by playing their wedding song, prompting a reconciliation.

Despite the chaos, Mills’ chase for Henry leads to his own apprehension by Callen and Munoz. As a consequence, Oliver faces charges of cybertrespassing and is sentenced to house arrest. Two months later, the agents offer Oliver a deal: they will forego the charges if he helps them, recognizing the potential of his telepathic technology.

In a twist of fortune, Oliver’s experiments lead to a new telepathic collar for Henry, enabling even broader communication. Oliver’s journey continues, setting off on a new adventure to Hawaii with his parents, as they embrace the future together. The film culminates with Oliver, his family, and Henry acknowledging the wisdom in Henry’s teachings—that sometimes the simplest approaches, akin to “thinking like a dog,” can untangle the complexities of human life.