This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements prevent ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character seems a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
