It is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of animals – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions remains surface-level. The narrative proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for dog videos. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
