This is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a dog following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such setups prevent ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in pet despair, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water seems debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow piled on green trees as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
