This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. 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 speak of their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries clinging to green trees as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
