It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups impede ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable remains debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries surrounding green trees as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
