This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups impede ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and become annoying across the board. As it turns out, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects piled on green trees as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
Maya Chen is a freelance writer and urban enthusiast with a passion for documenting city life and cultural shifts.
