This is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups hinder former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in pet despair, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water remains rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects piled on green trees as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split would feel more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
