This is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups impede ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow surrounding lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect 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 seems a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
