This is a widely held belief among many that sharing custody a canine companion following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations impede individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in canine melancholy, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation holds water seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries piled on green trees as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.
