This is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups impede former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of our pets – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer manages looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split could have been more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
