This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a dog post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations prevent ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of animals – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: 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, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think flurries surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
