It is a widely held belief in certain circles that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation holds water seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow piled on verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
