It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively remains a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since the title character is by far the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
