This is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups hinder ex-partners from healing, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of our pets – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict holds water seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries piled on green trees as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
