This is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a dog following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups impede former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
