It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such setups impede former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water is rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
