It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively remains debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries clinging to lush pines as a summer location substitutes for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.
