This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a pet post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations impede former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – many owners attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – think fake snow clinging to green trees as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
