This is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a pet following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups impede ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as North Carolina stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.
