It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a dog post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable remains debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The plot unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries piled on lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since the dog is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation would feel more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
