It is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups impede ex-partners from healing, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict holds water is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
