It is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a pet following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations hinder individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The plot proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries clinging to lush pines as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer manages looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform this December.
