This is a common warning among many that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations prevent individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
