It is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water remains rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since the title character is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
