This is a common warning among many that sharing custody a pet post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups impede ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
Without minimizing the inner life of our pets – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively remains debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: 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, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries clinging to green trees as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
