This is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in pet despair, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water remains a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character seems a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation would feel more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
