The Friend Zone

Kristen’s small dog, Stuntman Mike, plays an important role in the development of Josh and Kristen’s relationship. When Kristen first introduces Josh to her dog at the fire station, he immediately recognizes that the dog’s name is a reference to a character in the 2007 Quentin Tarantino film, Death Proof. Stuntman Mike is tiny but fierce, and he is picky about the people he spends time with, just like Kristen herself.

When Josh starts spending time at Kristen’s house, both as a carpenter and as a roommate, Kristen realizes that Stuntman Mike likes Josh more than he likes most people, including her Tyler and her mother. Stuntman Mike’s affection for Josh makes Kristen feel more affection for Josh as well, and she begins to realize that he would fit into her life better than Tyler ever could.

Josh’s gentle treatment of Stuntman Mike also indicates that Josh would be a very good father. She catches him bathing the dog in the sink one day and realizes that he would be equally gentle and caring with a child, and she is devastated by her belief that they will never get to be parents together.