This is a common warning among many that sharing custody a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in canine melancholy, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup holds water seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. The character seems a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for the split could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
