It is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
