It is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of our pets – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively remains debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries clinging to green trees as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since the dog is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for the split could have been more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
