This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the inner life of animals – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The plot proves to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow piled on green trees as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform this December.
