This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries surrounding green trees as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
