This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations impede former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
Without minimizing the mental health of our pets – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
