It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations impede ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of animals – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need standout portrayal in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for pet content. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
