It is a widely held belief in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups prevent individuals from healing, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and become annoying across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think flurries surrounding green trees as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character comes across as a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
