It is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a pet following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups impede ex-partners from healing, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, one need only look another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable seems debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think fake snow piled on green trees as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and while this leads to some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer manages acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
