This is a widely held belief in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in pet despair, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable is a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. The character comes across as a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform this December.
