It is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a dog following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations prevent ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in pet despair, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.