It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a dog following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations prevent ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the inner life of animals – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
