This is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups prevent former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
