It is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations impede ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split would feel more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
