This is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups hinder individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
Without minimizing the mental health of our pets – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries piled on green trees as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself manages acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
