This is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups impede former couples from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
Without minimizing the inner life of our pets – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since the dog is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation might seem more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
