This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements hinder ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of our pets – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in pet despair, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water remains a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and while this leads to some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.
