This is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups prevent former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for dog videos. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself manages acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since the title character is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
