This is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements prevent ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable is debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow piled on green trees as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
How these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character seems a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
