This is a widely held belief in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such setups impede former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline proves to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow surrounding green trees as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
