It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups prevent ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think fake snow clinging to green trees as North Carolina stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split would feel more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
