Competing in this cutthroat environment means focusing on what is most unique about a child, forcing Alex and Greg to consider Jake's love of dresses, fairy tales, and princesses.

Parsons and Todd Spiewak would be producing the film through their banner That's Wonderful Productions along with Eric Norsoph,[2] Paul Bernon for Burn Later, and Rachel Song for XS Media.

"[22] Ann Hornaday of The Washington Post wrote, "The only thing missing from the film is its title character" and "A Kid Like Jake is coming from an unassailably benevolent place, but it insists on holding its nominal protagonist at frustrating arm's length.

"[23] Leslie Felperin of The Hollywood Reporter described the film as a "simply lovely comedy-drama" and commented, "Howard elicits superb performances not just from the leads but from the crack cast of supports.

"[24] David Ehrlich of IndieWire gave the film a "B−" grade and opined, "Pearle's script admirably tries to make this story feel much bigger than it ever could on stage, but the movie flounders whenever it tries to pad out the sharp conversation scenes from the original version, or provide them with new context.

"[25] Amy Nicholson of Variety wrote, "Howard's film is adamantly realistic, which means everyone behaves as politely as possible until hell breaks loose in the final act.