This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements prevent former couples from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation holds water seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since Merv is by far the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
