This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups hinder former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. The plot unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
How these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character seems a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
