This is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups hinder ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the inner life of animals – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively remains rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think fake snow piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. The character comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
