This is a common warning among many that sharing custody a dog post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder ex-partners from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow surrounding green trees as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since the title character is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
