It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the inner life of dogs – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
