It is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adapting to split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow surrounding lush pines as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since Merv is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for the split could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
