It is a common warning among many that sharing custody a dog following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups impede individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of animals – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries clinging to lush pines as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation could have been more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.
