It is a widely held belief among many that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable seems debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. The plot unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries surrounding green trees as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation could have been more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.
