This is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a pet post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations impede individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
How these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since the dog is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for the split might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
