It is a widely held belief in certain circles that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups hinder individuals from healing, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict holds water is a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. The narrative is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on green trees as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
