This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a dog post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such setups prevent ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with split households. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable remains debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries clinging to green trees as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer manages acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
