This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a pet following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups impede ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, 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 on this conflict holds water is a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable depends on the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since the title character is by far the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – but it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
