It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the inner life of animals – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water remains rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think flurries surrounding lush pines as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
