It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a dog following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations prevent ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water is a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these standard ingredients merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself manages acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for the split would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform this December.
