This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a pet following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to split households. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict holds water is debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think flurries surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.