This is a widely held belief among many that sharing custody a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations hinder former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of our pets – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict holds water is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow surrounding lush pines as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. The character comes across as a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since Merv is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
