It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups prevent former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since Merv is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – but it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
