This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups hinder ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively remains a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character seems a bit too dry, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for the split would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
