It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations impede former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in pet despair, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation works effectively remains rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients merge into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for the split might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
