This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a pet following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations impede ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the inner life of animals – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for the split would feel more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
