This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements impede former couples from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict holds water remains a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. The plot unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries clinging to lush pines as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone wavers between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
