It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups impede individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in pet despair, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup holds water remains debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for the split might seem more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
