This is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. As it turns out, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in pet despair, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on green trees as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split would feel more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
