This is a widely held belief among many that sharing custody a dog following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder individuals from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses 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 cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries clinging to green trees as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable depends on the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains 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, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split would feel more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
