This is a common warning among many that sharing custody a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The narrative proves to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow clinging to green trees as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
