This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a pet post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for the split might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
