This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a dog post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups prevent individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation holds water seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
