It is a widely held belief among many that sharing custody a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder individuals from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The plot is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think flurries piled on green trees as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – but it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
