It is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations impede former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
