It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups hinder ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
