It is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements prevent individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. If you need standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict is sustainable seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable depends on the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since the dog is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
