It is a common warning among many that sharing custody a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in pet despair, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively remains debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses 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 canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
