This is a widely held belief among many that sharing custody a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups prevent ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation holds water is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.
