It is a common warning among many that sharing custody a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations prevent former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. If you need standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable remains rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – think fake snow surrounding green trees as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
