It is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a dog post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of our pets – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water is rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since the dog is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
