It is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent individuals from healing, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of our pets – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – think flurries piled on verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for the split would feel more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
