It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups hinder ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The plot is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow surrounding green trees as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for the split could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
