This is a widely held belief in certain circles that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede individuals from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.
