This is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations prevent former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the mental health of dogs – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, one need only look another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing 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 undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, 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. Its style wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for the split would feel more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform this December.
