It is a widely held belief in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations hinder former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively remains debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
