It is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements impede ex-partners from healing, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in pet despair, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow clinging to green trees as North Carolina stands in for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for dog videos. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation could have been more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
