It is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations impede ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively remains rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (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. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation might seem more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
