This is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements prevent former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively is debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably 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 carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since the dog is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
