It is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations hinder ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since the dog is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
