It is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
If these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
