It is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede individuals from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
