This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups hinder former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow surrounding green trees as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character seems a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
