It is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a pet post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations impede former couples from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by 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 – exemplified by flurries surrounding lush pines as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since Merv is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for the split could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
