It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent former couples from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation holds water seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. The plot proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
