The Lifeguard (2013)

by Linda Kay

Directed by: Liz W. Garcia

Cat Out of the Bag Alert! This review contains some spoilers for this film!

Synopsis: 29 year old Leigh (Kristen Bell) feels lost working as a reporter in New York City and flees back to her parents’ home in Connecticut where she tries to find herself by taking on her former teenage job as lifeguard for the neighborhood pool. Her regression goes too far when she becomes romantically attracted to a teenaged boy named Jason (David Lambert).

Cat Burglar (Scene Stealer): When Leigh leaves New York she takes her calico cat named Moose. Needless to say her mother (Amy Madigan) is surprised to suddenly have her daughter and a cat back in her house, pointing out that they don’t even have a litter box.

The Lifeguard - calico cat Moose entering Leigh's parents home with Kristen Bell and Amy Madigan
The Lifeguard - calico cat Moose entering Leigh's parents home with Kristen Bell and Amy Madigan

Moose isn’t seen again until things come to a head between Leigh and her mother who all but kicks her out of the house. She arrives at Jason’s with Moose in tow.

The Lifeguard - calico cat Moose held by Jason David Lambert
The Lifeguard - calico cat Moose held by Jason David Lambert

We later hear that Moose has run away. Leigh and Jason make a disturbing discovery while looking for her in the woods. Feeling even worse than before, Leigh goes back to her parents’ house and hides in a room that’s under construction. There she is surprised to find Moose casually sniffing at a leaf.

The Lifeguard - calico cat Moose sniffing at leaf in unfinished room
The Lifeguard - calico cat Moose in unfinished room

She gathers Moose into her arms and hugs the kitty gratefully.

The Lifeguard - Leigh Kristin Bell hugging calico cat Moose
The Lifeguard - Leigh Kristin Bell hugging calico cat Moose
The Lifeguard - Leigh Kristin Bell hugging calico cat Moose animated gif

Moose is last seen back in her carrier as Leigh prepares to say goodbye to Jason.

The Lifeguard - Leigh Kristin Bell hugging Jason David Lambert with calico cat Moose in carrier

Final Mewsings: You’re always young when you have a cat.

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