It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups hinder former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict holds water is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, 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, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
