This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable is rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring 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 fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
