This is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations prevent former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in pet despair, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the ambitions remains surface-level. The narrative proves to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on green trees as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
