It is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups prevent former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions remains surface-level. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries piled on verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since Merv is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
