It is a common warning among many that sharing custody a dog following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements impede former couples from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the inner life of our pets – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively remains rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself manages looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is by far the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
