This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations impede ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable is rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow piled on green trees as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
