This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in pet despair, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow clinging to green trees as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
