It is a common warning among many that sharing custody a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations prevent ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of dogs – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable remains debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. The plot is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.
