It is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable is rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries clinging to green trees as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer manages acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.
