It is a widely held belief in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.
Without minimizing the mental health of our pets – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. The plot unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
