This is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations prevent ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable remains debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The plot proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow clinging to lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
