It is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations prevent ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The plot proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow clinging to lush pines as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for dog videos. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
