This is a common warning among many that sharing custody a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups hinder former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. If you need standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The plot unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
How these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for the split could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
