This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations impede former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation works effectively remains debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as North Carolina stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since the title character is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
