This is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with split households. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. The narrative is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these standard ingredients merge into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
