It is a widely held belief in certain circles that sharing custody a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in pet despair, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively remains debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is by far the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split could have been more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.