It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a dog following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
If these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
