It is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a pet following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
Without minimizing the mental health of our pets – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation might seem more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
