This is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements hinder ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for pet content. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – 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 – a regrettable choice, since Merv is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
