It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups impede ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow piled on lush pines as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
How these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
