It is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a dog following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent individuals from healing, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the inner life of dogs – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable remains debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think flurries clinging to lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
