This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a dog following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations hinder former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively is rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions remains surface-level. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer manages looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for the split could have been more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
