It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups impede individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
