This is a widely held belief among many that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups hinder ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. The narrative proves to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries piled on verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for pet content. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
