This is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups impede ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict is sustainable seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. The narrative proves to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think flurries piled on lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
