It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements hinder former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable is a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The plot unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on green trees as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable depends on the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
