This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a pet following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict is sustainable remains rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
