This is a common warning among many that sharing custody a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations impede ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of dogs – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – think flurries piled on verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
