This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a pet post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups impede former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
Without minimizing the mental health of animals – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation holds water seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.
