This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a dog post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations impede individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict is sustainable is rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
