This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups prevent individuals from healing, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself manages looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since the dog is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.
