This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the inner life of our pets – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe 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. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation holds water seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
