It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements hinder ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – many owners attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water remains a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for dog videos. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since Merv is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
