This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. The character comes across as a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
