This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent former couples from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively remains a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries piled on green trees as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and while this leads to some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
