This is a widely held belief in certain circles that sharing custody a pet following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the inner life of our pets – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively remains a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
