This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a dog post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements hinder individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries piled on lush pines as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
