This is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups impede ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in pet despair, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot proves to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries clinging to lush pines as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split could have been more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
