It is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a pet following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements prevent ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation holds water remains debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think flurries surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.
