It is a common warning among many that sharing custody a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements prevent individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in pet despair, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. The plot unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow clinging to green trees as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the dog is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
