This is a widely held belief in certain circles that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the inner life of animals – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict holds water is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. Its storyline proves to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness 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. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation could have been more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.
