This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder individuals from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in pet despair, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries piled on lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
