It is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow clinging to green trees as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these standard ingredients merge into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for dog videos. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
