It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in pet despair, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
