This is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a pet following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups impede ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in pet despair, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The plot is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries clinging to lush pines as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform this December.
