It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the inner life of animals – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow piled on verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for the split might seem more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
