This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations hinder ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
