This is a widely held belief among many that sharing custody a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The narrative proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when paired with 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 film attempts to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
