It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements hinder ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character seems a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
