It is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder former couples from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: 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, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since Merv is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
