This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups prevent individuals from healing, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable remains rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable hinges 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 dog videos. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
