This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of animals – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively is debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna comes across as a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still 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. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
