It is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups prevent individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively remains debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The narrative is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve 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 – exemplified by flurries clinging to lush pines as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
