It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements hinder ex-partners from healing, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively remains debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The plot unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries surrounding lush pines as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and while this leads to some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character seems a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
