This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played 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 a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow piled on lush pines as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since Merv is by far the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.