This is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of dogs – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow clinging to lush pines as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself manages acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since the dog is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
