This is a common warning among many that sharing custody a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation works effectively seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
