This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a dog post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water remains debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. The narrative proves to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on green trees as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.
