It is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations impede former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
Without minimizing the inner life of our pets – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable is a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow piled on lush pines as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
