It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a pet following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups impede ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow clinging to green trees as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.