This is a widely held belief in certain circles that sharing custody a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations hinder individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable depends on the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for pet content. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
