It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a dog following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations hinder former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively remains debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
