This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the inner life of animals – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in pet despair, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively is rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
