It is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups hinder ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – many owners attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and while this leads to some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
