It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups impede individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow piled on green trees as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation could have been more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
