It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
Without minimizing the mental health of animals – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
If these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.