This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations prevent former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict holds water remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.
