It is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a dog following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations hinder ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
How these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – but it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
