This is a widely held belief among many that sharing custody a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups hinder individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in pet despair, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water remains a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries piled on green trees as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.
