This is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups impede ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of animals – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in pet despair, one need only look 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 split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
