This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of animals – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting 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 presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow surrounding lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
