It is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups prevent individuals from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including 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 holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
If these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for dog videos. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split could have been more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
