This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations prevent ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of animals – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
