It is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the mental health of animals – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. The narrative proves to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
