This is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a dog post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups impede individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation works effectively remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for the split might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
