This is a widely held belief among many that sharing custody a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements prevent ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow surrounding lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
