It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a dog post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups prevent individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in canine melancholy, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, 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 this conflict works effectively is debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries piled on green trees as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
