This is a widely held belief in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups hinder individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in pet despair, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively remains debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think flurries surrounding lush pines as a summer location substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split might seem more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
