This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups prevent individuals from healing, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. 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 played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and while this leads to some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since Merv is by far the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.
