This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations hinder ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup holds water remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
