This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations hinder ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.
Without minimizing the inner life of animals – many owners attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in pet despair, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries surrounding lush pines as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
