This is a widely held belief in certain circles that sharing custody a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of animals – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since Merv is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
