This is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a dog following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations hinder former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. The plot proves to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think flurries clinging to lush pines as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
How these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation would feel more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
