This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations prevent ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in pet despair, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable remains rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
