It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of animals – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall a past film. It seems certain 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 divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as North Carolina stands in for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for dog videos. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, 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 on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer manages looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
