It is a widely held belief among many that sharing custody a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations prevent individuals from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adapting to split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
How these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
