This is a common warning among many that sharing custody a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow surrounding green trees as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation might seem more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
