This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a dog following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups hinder individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
