This is a widely held belief among many that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups impede former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
