It is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups impede ex-partners from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in pet despair, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is by far the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
