This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent individuals from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers 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 portrayal seems a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.
