It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups impede individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of animals – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. The plot is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a summer location substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
