This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations prevent ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of animals – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation would feel more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
