It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.
