This is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups impede individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries piled on verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split would feel more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
