It is a widely held belief in certain circles that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups hinder individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries piled on green trees as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for pet content. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
