This is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements impede ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the inner life of animals – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like 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 an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water is debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The plot unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries surrounding lush pines as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.
