It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations impede ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water seems debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed 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 ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
