This is a widely held belief in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of dogs – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation works effectively remains debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. The plot is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including familiar faces – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for dog videos. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split could have been more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
