It is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a dog post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements hinder ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of our pets – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
