This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a pet following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively is a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries surrounding lush pines as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for pet content. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
