This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such setups prevent ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the mental health of dogs – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with split households. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation works effectively remains debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow surrounding green trees as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character seems a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for the split would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.
