This is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations impede former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable is a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these standard ingredients merge into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
