It is a widely held belief in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries clinging to green trees as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is by far the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
