This is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a pet post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of dogs – many owners attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow clinging to green trees as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since the dog is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation would feel more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.
