It is a common warning among many that sharing custody a dog following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
