This is a widely held belief among many that sharing custody a pet following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements impede ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively is rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
