It is a common warning among many that sharing custody a dog following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow surrounding lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and while this leads to some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
