It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a pet following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups impede ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
