This is a widely held belief among many that sharing custody a pet following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. 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 this conflict holds water is rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. The plot is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries clinging to lush pines as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
