This is a common warning among many that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and become annoying across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries clinging to green trees as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation would feel more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
