This is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups impede ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and while this leads to some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
