It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries surrounding lush pines as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
