This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a pet following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation holds water seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. The plot is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for dog videos. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
