This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups prevent former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in pet despair, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge 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 stumble toward 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 has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think flurries piled on lush pines as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. 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 I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
