This is a widely held belief in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations prevent former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable remains debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character seems a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
