It is a common warning among many that sharing custody a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively seems debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
