This is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations hinder ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.
Without minimizing the mental health of animals – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries piled on lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
