This is a common warning among many that sharing custody a dog post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
