This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a dog post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder ex-partners from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries clinging to lush pines as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
