It is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder ex-partners from healing, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.
Without minimizing the inner life of our pets – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water is rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
