It is a common warning among many that sharing custody a dog post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such setups hinder ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in pet despair, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable remains rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think flurries piled on verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
