This is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups impede ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on green trees as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself manages looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
