It is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements prevent former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall 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 adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think flurries clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
