It is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements prevent ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
Without minimizing the mental health of animals – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries piled on verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for pet content. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.
