This is a widely held belief in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups impede individuals from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow piled on green trees as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since the title character is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.
