This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups impede ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of animals – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict holds water seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. The plot proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow piled on lush pines as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation would feel more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
