This is a widely held belief in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in pet despair, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively remains rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow clinging to lush pines as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.
