It is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since the title character is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
