It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
Without minimizing the mental health of animals – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. For a prime example 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 coping with split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable seems debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in looking despondent – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
