This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups impede former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in pet despair, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup holds water is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. The plot proves to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – think fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
