This is a common warning among many that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the inner life of our pets – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively remains debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
