It is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The plot is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on green trees as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since Merv is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for the split might seem more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
