It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a dog post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions remains surface-level. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries surrounding lush pines as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split might seem more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
