It is a common warning among many that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations prevent ex-partners from healing, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the inner life of dogs – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. The plot proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects piled on green trees as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
