It is a common warning among many that sharing custody a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. The narrative proves to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow piled on lush pines as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable depends on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
