This is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a pet following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. 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 individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think flurries surrounding lush pines as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
