This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups impede ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup holds water seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
