It is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations impede former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the inner life of our pets – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict holds water is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character seems a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
