This is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups hinder ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. The plot proves to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow clinging to lush pines as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
