It is a widely held belief in certain circles that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and become annoying across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: 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 therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
How these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split could have been more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
