It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder former couples from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of animals – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in pet despair, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow clinging to green trees as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
