This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups impede individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in pet despair, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to split households. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable is debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
