This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a dog following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow piled on verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable depends on the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for pet content. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
