It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup holds water is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation could have been more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
