It is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations prevent former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects piled on green trees as North Carolina stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for the split would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
