This is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow surrounding lush pines as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. The character seems a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split would feel more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
