This is a common warning among many that sharing custody a dog following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in pet despair, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since the dog is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – but it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.
