This is a widely held belief among many that sharing custody a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations prevent individuals from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the inner life of animals – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation works effectively seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think flurries surrounding lush pines as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split could have been more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.
