It is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations impede individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict holds water remains rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. The plot proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since the title character is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
