This is a widely held belief in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in pet despair, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on green trees as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.
