This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a dog following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations hinder former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of our pets – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries clinging to green trees as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
