This is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of animals – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water is a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. The plot proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
How these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
