This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations prevent former couples from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in dog sorrow, 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. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions 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, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform this December.
