This is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements impede former couples from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable remains debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. The character comes across as a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation might seem more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
