It is a widely held belief among many that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup holds water is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The plot proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
