It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a dog post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements prevent former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.
Without minimizing the mental health of our pets – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in pet despair, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is matched 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 are better together. Side characters – played by familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow clinging to green trees as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
