It is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. The plot proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow surrounding green trees as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
How these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable depends 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 series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.
