This is a widely held belief among many that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder individuals from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think flurries surrounding green trees as North Carolina stands in for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for pet content. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since the dog is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
