This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent former couples from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. The narrative proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable depends on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
