This is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with split households. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow piled on lush pines as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for the split would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.
