This is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a pet following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent individuals from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively is debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. The narrative proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow surrounding lush pines as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character seems a bit too dry, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for the split would feel more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
