It is a widely held belief in certain circles that sharing custody a dog post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in pet despair, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup holds water seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries surrounding green trees as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
