It is a widely held belief among many that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations prevent ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the inner life of animals – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow surrounding green trees as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that 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 could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
