This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups impede ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
Without minimizing the inner life of animals – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in pet despair, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation holds water seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
