It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations prevent former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the inner life of animals – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable remains debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since Merv is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
