It is a common warning among many that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
Without minimizing the inner life of animals – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in pet despair, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
