This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a pet post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such setups prevent individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
