It is a common warning among many that sharing custody a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.
Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – many owners attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively seems debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on green trees as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since the dog is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
