It is a common warning among many that sharing custody a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups hinder ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. The plot proves to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for pet content. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. 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, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
