It is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups prevent former couples from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively remains rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize 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 visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries surrounding green trees as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
