It is a common warning among many that sharing custody a pet post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. Seemingly, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation works effectively is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.