It is a common warning among many that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations hinder former couples from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the mental health of our pets – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in pet despair, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively is a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow clinging to green trees as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since Merv is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split would feel more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
