This is a common warning among many that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups impede former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries piled on green trees as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
