It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a dog post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the mental health of animals – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation holds water seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries clinging to green trees as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for the split would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
