It is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements hinder individuals from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable is rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. The narrative is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – think flurries surrounding lush pines as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
How these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
