It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.
Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation holds water remains debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow surrounding lush pines as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation would feel more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
