It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups impede ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation works effectively remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
