This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation works effectively is debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is by far the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
