It is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups impede former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. Seemingly, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation holds water is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries clinging to green trees as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
