It is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in pet despair, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water seems debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora 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 human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split would feel more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
