This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups prevent ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of animals – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since Merv is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
