This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of dogs – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries piled on lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
