This is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the mental health of dogs – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – think fake snow surrounding green trees as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character seems a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
