It is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a dog post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups prevent ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of dogs – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict is sustainable seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think flurries clinging to lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for dog videos. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation could have been more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
