This is a common warning among many that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations prevent individuals from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively remains debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. The narrative is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think flurries clinging to green trees as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
