It is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think flurries clinging to lush pines as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation would feel more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
