This is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations prevent ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. The plot proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries surrounding green trees as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
