This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a dog post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of our pets – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
