It is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a dog following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations prevent individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the inner life of our pets – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water is rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than its premise. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects piled on green trees as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself manages acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split might seem more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
