It is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow piled on lush pines as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a plethora 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 delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
