It is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a pet following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
