This is a common warning among many that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements hinder ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation holds water remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries clinging to lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since Merv is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation might seem more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform this December.
