This is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a dog following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
