This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements impede former couples from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. The narrative proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow clinging to lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.
