It is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. Its storyline proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries piled on green trees as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since Merv is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
