It is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for the split could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
