It is a widely held belief among many that sharing custody a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations impede ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the mental health of dogs – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think fake snow clinging to green trees as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
