This is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups impede individuals from healing, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict holds water remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think fake snow piled on lush pines as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
