This is a widely held belief in certain circles that sharing custody a pet following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede former couples from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in canine melancholy, 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 find it difficult adjusting to split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable is rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow piled on green trees as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
