It is a common warning among many that sharing custody a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups impede former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. The narrative is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
