This is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in dog sorrow, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
