This is a common warning among many that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such setups impede former couples from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in pet despair, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation holds water remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the dog is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
