It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a pet following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable is a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. The plot proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – think fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since the dog is by far the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation would feel more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.
