It is a widely held belief in certain circles that sharing custody a pet following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable is a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split could have been more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
