This is a widely held belief in certain circles that sharing custody a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split might seem more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
