It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a pet post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations hinder former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the inner life of animals – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for dog videos. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since the dog is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
