This is a common warning among many that sharing custody a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations prevent ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of animals – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow clinging to lush pines as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
If these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still 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, since Merv is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
