It is a widely held belief among many that sharing custody a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with split households. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively seems debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries clinging to green trees as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal 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 touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.
