This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations prevent former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries clinging to lush pines as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these standard ingredients coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer manages looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
