It is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a pet post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such setups prevent ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in pet despair, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively remains debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects piled on green trees as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
