It is a widely held belief among many that jointly caring for a dog following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups hinder individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow piled on lush pines as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
