This is a widely held belief in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups prevent individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water seems debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries surrounding green trees as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split could have been more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
