Watch Well Groomed

Well Groomed, a 2019 documentary film, introduces viewers to the world of Dog grooming and the women who compete in Creative Grooming Competitions across the United States. Directed by Rebecca Stern, the film captures the passion, dedication, and hard work each groomer puts into their craft to transform their furry clients into living works of art.

With narration by one of the judges of these competitions, Well Groomed provides a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to make the cut in the Creative Grooming world. The film follows several groomers as they get ready for the biggest competition of the year in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

One of the groomers is Adriane Pope, a former publicist turned dog groomer, who travels to Hershey with 14-year-old daughter, Kennedy. The duo creates stunning designs with colorful feathers, gems, and intricate cuts. Another contender, Angela Kumpe, a five-time champion, dazzles the competition with her unicorn-inspired canine. Kumpe, who balances being a mother of four and running her own grooming business, credits her success to time management.

Nicole Beckman, who won the previous competition, brings her creative and sculptural approach to the competition. She pushes the boundaries of traditional grooming with her avant-garde designs. She also mentors Maria, a newcomer and her protégé, who is competing for the first time.

The intense competition is about more than just grooming talent. Competing groomers form long-lasting friendships through their shared love of dogs and their art. Throughout the film, the camaraderie among competitors is palpable, and the viewer can witness the love and devotion each contestant feels towards their pets.

Well Groomed also explores the close bond between the dog and the groomer. The film depicts how these furry friends become “living works of art,” and how each grooming session requires a combination of precision, patience, and love for the dogs. The dogs appear to enjoy the attention, with one groomer explaining how the shaping of their dog's fur, nails, and colors can impact a dog's behavior or their level of self-esteem.

In addition to the intense competition among groomers, the film touches on the broader impact of animal-human relationships. It highlights how dogs can provide comfort and happiness to individuals who may be struggling with mental health issues or socialization.

Overall, Well Groomed is an engaging film that offers insight into a seemingly niche area of competitive grooming while focusing on the love and dedication each groomer has for their craft. The documentary provides a glimpse into the world of creative grooming but does not shy away from depicting the potential downsides of it—such as the intense workload and the pressure to win. Yet, throughout the competition, it is clear that these women continue to work for their love of dogs and the art of grooming.

Well Groomed is also visually appealing, as they show off the creative flair that the groomers bring to each dog's look. The film's creaking score and skilled editing help to intensify the competition's tension while highlighting the particular pros and cons of each person's style.

Overall, Well Groomed is an eye-opening and uplifting documentary that emphasizes the love and dedication each groomer brings to their craft while showcasing the remarkable bond between dogs and their human caretakers.

Well Groomed is a 2019 documentary. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8 and a MetaScore of 63.