It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a pet post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups prevent ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the mental health of dogs – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with split households. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable remains debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think flurries surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies 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 either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.
