It is a widely held belief in certain circles that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations hinder former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. 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 holds water remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness 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 should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries surrounding green trees as a summer location substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
