It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a pet following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups hinder individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation holds water seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow clinging to green trees as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since the dog is by far the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
