This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a dog following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations impede former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict holds water seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow surrounding green trees as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
