This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups impede ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – many owners attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation holds water remains debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The plot unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – think fake snow clinging to green trees as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since Merv is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
