This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a pet post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
How these standard ingredients coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character seems a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
