This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups prevent ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. Its storyline proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
