This is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements impede ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – many owners attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively is rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – think flurries surrounding lush pines as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
