It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations prevent former couples from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation holds water seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think flurries clinging to green trees as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
How these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
