It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a dog following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements impede individuals from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the mental health of dogs – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in pet despair, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable is a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow clinging to lush pines as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
