This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements impede ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for pet content. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
