It is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a dog post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in pet despair, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to split households. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively remains rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since Merv is by far the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.
