This is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups impede individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries surrounding lush pines as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split would feel more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
