It is a widely held belief among many that sharing custody a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements hinder former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in pet despair, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with split households. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water remains debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and while this leads to some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
