This is a widely held belief among many that sharing custody a pet following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups impede ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. As it turns out, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
