This is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups hinder individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water remains a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for the split would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
