This is a common warning among many that sharing custody a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations impede ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries piled on lush pines as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer manages acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
