This is a widely held belief among many that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
Without minimizing the inner life of our pets – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation holds water is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects piled on green trees as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
