It is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a dog following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations impede ex-partners from healing, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the inner life of animals – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation works effectively seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth remains surface-level. The plot proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. The character comes across as a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
