This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a pet following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements prevent former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. The plot proves to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.
