This is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder former couples from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the inner life of dogs – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation holds water seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
How these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since the title character is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
