This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede former couples from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of dogs – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively is debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer manages looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
