It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements prevent individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with split households. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively is a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries piled on lush pines as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages looking despondent – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since the title character is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation would feel more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
