This is a widely held belief in certain circles that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in dog sorrow, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively is debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for the split could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
