It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups prevent ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict holds water remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
