It is a widely held belief among many that sharing custody a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements impede individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of animals – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in pet despair, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup holds water seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. The character comes across as a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation could have been more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
