This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a dog post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements prevent individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation would feel more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
