It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
