This is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a pet post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of dogs – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively is debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (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 canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character seems a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since the dog is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
