This is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow surrounding lush pines as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
