This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups impede ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the inner life of dogs – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
