This is a widely held belief among many that sharing custody a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements prevent individuals from healing, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of animals – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The plot unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think flurries surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since Merv is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
