This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow clinging to lush pines as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
