It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a pet following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations impede former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of dogs – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable is debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients merge into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation might seem more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.
