This is a common warning among many that sharing custody a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
Without minimizing the inner life of animals – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable seems debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character seems a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
