This is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself manages looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for the split would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
