This is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. The plot is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
