This is a common warning among many that sharing custody a dog following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations prevent ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries clinging to lush pines as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
