It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder individuals from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of dogs – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in pet despair, one need only look another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to split households. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable remains debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. The narrative proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. 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 certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer manages looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
