This is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups impede former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in canine melancholy, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The narrative proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries surrounding lush pines as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation might seem more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
