Who Gets the Dog?

Who Gets the Dog? is a heartwarming romantic comedy film that delivers laughs and heart-tugging moments in equal measure. It was released in 2016 under the direction of Huck Botko, a versatile filmmaker known for his deft ability to tackle different genres. The film stars Ryan Kwanten, Alicia Silverstone, and Randall Batinkoff in key roles, who all lend their exceptional talents to create a memorable cinematic experience.

The narrative centers on a married couple, Olive (Alicia Silverstone) and Clay (Ryan Kwanten), whose marriage is on the rocks. Olive is a successful doctor and Clay is a passionate stay-at-home husband and aspiring hockey player. But despite their seemingly idyllic life together, their marriage is faced with trials which ultimately lead them to the path of separation. Amidst the unraveling of their shared lives and shared dreams, a third - and arguably the most important player in their relationship - appears on the scene, their adorable dog Wesley. The battle that ensues for the custody of the beloved canine leads to a series of hilarious and heartfelt events.

Alicia Silverstone, known for her classic performance in Clueless, portrays Olive with the right blend of strength and vulnerability, making her a relatable character facing challenges not uncommon in modern relationships. Olive is a dedicated and accomplished doctor who believes in balance and being able to have it all - a fulfilling career and a satisfying personal life. When this balance seems to be slipping from her hands, she fights to hold onto the one thing that has always brought her happiness in her marriage - Wesley.

On the other hand, Ryan Kwanten, best known for his role in True Blood, artfully brings his character, Clay, to life. Despite his dreams of becoming a professional hockey player seeming out of reach and his marriage collapsing, Clay always puts engagement and good humor forward. His determination to win custody of Wesley reveals a depth of emotion and love, making audiences root for him.

Wesley, a loveable and engaging canine, provides not just the central point of contention between Olive and Clay, but also delivers moments of cuteness and comedy that keeps viewers charmed and invested. It's rare for animals to play such critical, scene-stealing roles in films, but Wesley manages to do just that, forming the crux of the narrative and influencing the path that the main characters' lives take.

The supporting cast of Who Gets the Dog? are equally accomplished. Randall Batinkoff excels in his role, adding further depth to the plot. Every character enhances the relatability of the film, highlighting the wins and losses, joy and sadness, that life often brings.

The director, Huck Botko, succeeds in crafting a film that is emotionally engaging and consistently entertaining. It's a story about love, relationships, and the ties that bind us together. Meanwhile, the light-hearted moments scattered throughout the film ensure that the viewers, while contemplating the deeper themes, can also enjoy a good laugh.

The film also features a solid script, infused with humor and layered with emotion. It takes a look at the institution of marriage, the importance of compromise and communication, and the extraordinary lengths people will go for the ones they love - even if that happens to be a canine. It is a journey of discovery for both Olive and Clay as they navigate through their crumbling marriage, their fondness for Wesley, and their individual paths forward.

In sum, Who Gets the Dog? is a film that probes deep into human and animal relationships. It's a sometimes comic, sometimes poignant exploration of life, love, and compromises. A delightful addition to the rom-com genre imbued with a unique twist, this movie is sure to delight dog lovers and romantic film enthusiasts alike. It's about finding happiness in unexpected places and the enduring bonds of love, making it a must-watch for anyone seeking reassurance on the power of love. The movie attempts to indicate that no matter where life leads us, we always have a chance at happiness if we're open to it.