This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a dog following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations prevent individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, one need only look another performance. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively is a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think flurries piled on verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
