This is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a dog following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable remains debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth remains surface-level. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow clinging to lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
