It is a widely held belief among many that sharing custody a pet post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups impede ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. The narrative is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. 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 holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation would feel more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
