This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation holds water remains rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on green trees as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. The character comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
