It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups impede former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
