It is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such setups hinder individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow surrounding lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character seems a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
