This is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline proves to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries clinging to lush pines as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation would feel more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
