It is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent individuals from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. The plot proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in 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. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
