This is a common warning among many that sharing custody a dog following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups prevent ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable remains debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. The character seems a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for the split might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.