This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such setups impede former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the mental health of dogs – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable seems debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark 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 – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow surrounding lush pines as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable depends on the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. The character comes across as a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since Merv is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
