It is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements hinder former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively remains debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow piled on lush pines as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
