This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups impede former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in pet despair, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water remains debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. The plot is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including 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 wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think flurries clinging to lush pines as a summer location substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for pet content. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
