It is a common warning among many that sharing custody a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups prevent ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of animals – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. Its storyline proves to be straightforward: exes 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 dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
